MSU Depth Chart 2015
Copy and Paste from the OSU Depth Chart post. Someone asked for it, so I put it together, but I thought it could also bring out enough discussion to warrent it's own thread. These are B1G East opponents, so I do believe it is relevant to this board.
QB: Cook JR, O'Connor SO
RB: Langford SR, Hill SR (Williams SO, London FR)
FB: Pendleton JR
TE: Price SO, Gleichert SR, (Lyles SO)
LT: Conklin SO, Finley FR
LG: Jackson SR, Kruse SR
C: Allen JR, Allen FR
RG: Kruse SR, Clark JR
RT: Clark JR, Kieler SO
X: Lippet SR, Troup JR
Z: Mumpery SR, Burbridge JR
F: Shelton SO, Kings JR
DE: Calhoun JR, Cooper FR
DE: Rush SR, Jones So
DT: Thomas JR, Know JR
NT: Heath JR, McDowell FR
Star: Harris JR, Hicks SR
MIKE: Jones SR, Bullough SO,
SAM: Davis JR, Frey FR
FC: Hicks SO, Colquhoun JR
BC: Waynes JR, Cox SO, Edmondson SO
FC: Drummond SR, Cox SO,
SS: Williamson JR, Nicholson FR
K: Geiger SO
P: Sadler SR
I think Langford will be a pretty decent loss for MSU. He does a lot of little things really well. Williams is a good back, but I think he tops off at sort of a Green level. They are supposedly high London as well, so watch for him to get carries next year.
Lippett is a big loss, there is no getting around that. He was Cook's security blanket and is a very good WR. Mumphery was consistent as well. Burbridge, Madaris, Kings, and Arnett are still a group of good athletes though, they just need to do the detailed things better (Burbridge looked good in their bowl game). Troup is a legit walk-on too, that will play.
Gleichert was a great blocking TE, but Price is one of the better all-around TEs in the B1G. Lyles is raw but skilled.
They'll likely get back Conklin and Allen on the OL, two All-American types. I expect the younger Allen to slide in at OG, where he played a bit this year, and should be solid. They're relying on former JUCO to fill in at the other spot most likely, so we'll see.
I don't expect Calhoun to go pro, but it's probably about 50/50. Depth at DE is scarce, and losing Rush is a big loss regardless of what people say. They have some bodies behind them, but if they loss Calhoun they will be very young and very raw at DE next year, and will likely get pushed around a bit. Cooper and Sweat have potential, but it's still potential. If they loss both starting DEs, expect them to play with a quasi-DT at DE to be more stout against the run.
They have great depth on the interior and get some FR to start contributing as well. They should improve at DT.
Hicks was basically their Nickel LB at the STAR postion. Powell will move from Safety to fill that role. Jones will be a bit of a loss, I liked Bullough better at SAM, but this won't be a huge drop off. Reschke can't seem to stay healthy, which hurts his development.
CB is a huge concern. Waynes looks like he has one foot out the door. They started Lippett because the other guys weren't performing. Typically they move the better CB to the boundary, but they don't really have a better CB right now. Cox is a better safety than CB, Hicks has some talent but needs to vastly improve his footwork.
Safety has some issues as well. I really like what I saw out of a young guy in Nicholson, so I think he'll be a factor. Wouldn't be surprised if Williamson and Nicholson both start and Cox is the BCB. But depth at all the DB positions is a bit scary for them, which isn't good in that defense. It'll be interesting if their scheme changes at all with losing Narduzzi and the lack of proven bodies on the back end, though I kind of doubt it.
Overall, I really expect them to be just about the same caliber team next year. If they lose Cook and Calhoun, then they should expect a drop off, but right now, I'd predict top 10-15 for MSU in 2015.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:15 AM ^
A kind request: could you do an analysis of Michigan, so we can compare to the recent depth chart analyses of MSU/OSU?
Thank you for your insight.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:19 AM ^
But I'll try to pull it up pretty quick.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:51 AM ^
Just a quick check
QB: Bellomy RS SR, Morris JR, Speight RS FR, Malzone FR
RB: Hayes RS Sr, Jhonson RS Jr, Green JR, Smith JR, Isaac RS So, Douglass RS Fr.
TE: AJ Williams Sr, Butt Jr, Hill RS So, Bunting RS Fr.
OT: Cole So., Braden RS Jr, Magnusson RS Jr, Dawson RS So, Tillman RS So.
G: Glasgow RS Sr, Kalis RS Jr, Samuelson RS So.
C: Miller RS Sr, Kugler RS So.
FB: Kerridge RS Sr, Houma Sr.
WR: Darboh RS Jr, Chesson RS Jr, Jones RS So, Canteen So, Norfleet Sr, Dever RS Jr.
We lose Gardner, Funchess and Heitzman I think.
Defense
We lose Ryan, Clark, Beyer, Taylor, Hollowell and that's it.
DE: Ojemudia Sr, Charlton Jr, Poggi RS So, Strobel RS Jr
DT: Godin RS Jr, Wormley RS Jr, Henry RS Jr, Hurst RS So, Pipkins Sr, Mone So, Glasgow RS Jr.
LB: Morgan RS Sr, Bolden Sr, Ross Sr, Jenkins.Stone Sr, Gedeon Jr, Mc Cray RS So.
CB: Lewis Jr, Peppers So, Countess RS Sr, Richardson RS Jr, Stribling Jr.
S: Clark RS Jr, Thomas Jr, Wilson Sr, Hill RS So
Punter we lose Hagerup and Kicker we lose Wile.
The team returns most of its starters, aside from QB I think this team should be pretty though, I don't mind losing Funchess all that much since he seemed to have his mind elsewere and was dropping passes left and right this season.
January 2nd, 2015 at 1:15 PM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:17 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:30 AM ^
Next year will be a good indication of how important Narduzzi was.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:56 AM ^
It will also be a chance for Dantonio to prove that MSU's defenses were more him than Narduzzi, which I believe to be the case. People forget that Dantonio was OSU's D-coordinator in 2002 when they won a title and only gave up 183 points all year.
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:12 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:23 AM ^
He's also the coach this year whose defense gave up 138 points against the only 3 teams he played this year against (admittedly elite) offensive-minded teams. His defense is solid, but you saw the cracks this year and with some depth issues, you could see some issues ahead for him. Narduzzi seems to have left at the best time.
January 2nd, 2015 at 12:04 PM ^
MSU's defenses were more him than NarduzziThis is questionable, given that their Cover 4 scheme is Narduzzi's idea and is not what Dantonio ran when he was a DC.
January 2nd, 2015 at 12:59 PM ^
So that 2002 OSU defense was all Dantonio, not Tressel. These MSU defenses have been all Dantonio, not Narduzzi even though Dantonio has not been a head coach without Narduzzi as his DC.
January 2nd, 2015 at 1:05 PM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:20 AM ^
To hell with MSU.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:49 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:20 AM ^
I happened to take a look at Sdaee's two-deep during the Cotton Bowl. They've not been burning redshirts.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:35 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:57 AM ^
Don't expect their incoming class to burn many, but their '14 class did burn a few (relative to previous years).
Jack Allen (C/G), McDowell (DT), Evans (DT), Frey (SAM), Nicholson (S), Sweat (DE)
But yes, they've established a pretty good program in which they can redshirt most of their guys, and they get guys in that mostly are willing to do that. I think Michigan is near the same spot, but possibly still not there yet. You could potentially RS anyone on offense, though I wouldn't be surprised if a WR/TE played in '15. On defense, a DE and maybe a DB wouldn't surprise me. But in those cases it's because the recruit coming in is at a high enough level to warrent playing, not because of need. So Michigan should be getting to that stage somewhat soon, though coaching transition never helps that stuff.
January 2nd, 2015 at 1:10 PM ^
Our DL coach, Ron Burton, said that Evans and Sweat will be getting medical redshirts. So 4 out of 23 commits played, about average for Dantonio
January 2nd, 2015 at 3:32 PM ^
Evans and Sweat are going to get "medical redshirt" (this rule is so silly, everyone gets a "back issue"). Allen played a ton and is younger brother of their center. And Frey was their special teams demon. So in the end it will be 4 players which is more than usual for Dantonio - usually it's been 2 and that 2 often included a specialist like a kicker or punterr.
He was going for a playoff spot so he burned a few extra RSs this year.
January 2nd, 2015 at 3:30 PM ^
Yes this was discussed at length on the boards last summer. Dantonio came in and followed the Alvarez model which for his type of program is smart. Everyone but a small select top end player redshirts. They usually RS everyone but about 2 guys a year. This year I think it will be 3-4 guys they did not RS but that's because they are now beginning to get guys like Malik McDowell and Montae Nicholson, both guys who played a ton (McDowell started).
But as a general rule if you are not a high 4 star or REALLY do something incredible in spring/fall camp you won't play as a true freshman. Wisconsin does the same.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:27 AM ^
D'OH
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:22 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:59 AM ^
He's basically telling everyone he's gone, but hasn't said so officially yet. It's kind of a when more than if though. Calhoun I think is 50/50 (lean to stay), Cook I think is almost certainly coming back.
January 2nd, 2015 at 1:11 PM ^
Yes, Waynes told his hometown (Kenosha, Wisconsin) newspaper that he's declaring. From what I hear, Calhoun and Cook are most likely to be back though.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:22 AM ^
Harbaugh has a tough road ahead. We all think he's a great coach. Hopefully he proves it.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:23 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:26 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:30 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:35 AM ^
Don't understand the neg on this. It is correct. But that is exactly what we are going to do.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:35 AM ^
No idea why you get downvoted. This is as basic a truth as there is. When State lost Banks and the other ILB, I thought, "there's no way to replace those guys." Welp. They truly are plug and play now. I'll be interested to see what effect losing Narduzzi has on them. I do not believe he was Dantonio's puppet. He called the defense. You could see that on the tv yesterday.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:36 AM ^
Baylor was MSU's only good win this year and to be fair that game was more of Baylor blowing it than MSU winning it. When you rely on the other team's kicker to collapse that is not a sustainable strategy.
It is also becoming obvious that Cook's ability to read a defense leaves a lot to be desired.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:40 AM ^
Prior to yesterday's win, the combined record of the teams State beat this year were 59-65.
You can blame me for jinxing Baylor. I tweeted out that little tidbit when Baylor was up by 20. Doh!
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:58 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 3:38 PM ^
Yes they did not beat a lot of great teams this year. You know what - the Big 10 is full of crap teams.
You know what Dantonio is good at? Most years except 2012 when they were wrecked with injuries on the OL and had Maxwell as QB he rarely loses to teams that have less talent than MSU. Don't take that for granted. A night game in Maryland to a very average team coming off a big loss to OSU? Thats a massive trap game. They went in there and dominated.
UM's VERY TALENTED teams of the 90s and early 00s were infamous for going out there and laying an egg against an inferior opponent almost every year. We'd have a WTF loss almost every year in our 3 and 4 losses.
Dantonio's teams beat up teams that suck with almost machine like regularity - it's hard not to be upset at some point over a course of a year just with the normal ups and downs of emotion. It's hard to get up to play Indiana at noon. They get motivated, they are organized, they execute.
I am sick about hearing about fucking luck. They have a top end coach who motivates those guys like very few coaches in the country.
January 2nd, 2015 at 11:48 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:29 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:38 AM ^
Take away either of the two penalties at the end - the block in the back on the INT or the facemask on the TD reception - and Baylor wins. That said, those penalties happened and State came back from a 20 point 4th quarter deficit. That's 4 bowl wins in a row and I think they were all come from behind wins.
January 2nd, 2015 at 1:28 PM ^
They also could've called the blatant holding on Baylor that led to the interception. Can't bear hug and tackle someone without the ball.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:39 AM ^
I didn’t watch the first half so I don’t have a whole game reference but what I saw is a Baylor team that put it in cruise control. MSU didn’t stop digging. Baylor’s defense looked like garbage and they didn’t have the ability or physicality to turn it back on. Baylor didn’t look they had any urgency or concern when Sparty was making their run and I think that bit them in the ass.
It could be a little bit of both, MSU taking the game and Baylor choking. But damn, you should be able to hold on to a 20 point lead in the second half. I’d be pretty disgusted today if I was a Baylor fan. The win was there for the taking.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:40 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:10 AM ^
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:25 AM ^
Sdaee didn't throw in the towel. Baylor wanted to get on with the conversation about how they should've been in the playoff. Throw in a couple things, like the block in the back (there were two on that INT return), and it's a little bit of both, imo.
I had Sparty written off when it went to a three-score game.
Sparty did the world a favor yesterday. Baylor would've been insufferable with a win, a non-stop whine from Briles about how now they've just got to dominate TX absolutely if they want to get in b/c oh so much bias against southern/TX football. (Sparty already is insufferable, and at least it's something we have the chance to do something about.)
January 3rd, 2015 at 1:51 PM ^
Just for clarity. PS I hope you aren't spray painting anytime soon.
January 2nd, 2015 at 11:22 PM ^
Both happened. Baylor made enough mistakes to give MSU the opportunities, and State was a good enough team to take advantage of them.
Remember, MSU made it's share of mistakes too - they had consecutive drives inside the Baylor 30 in the 4th quarter where they came away with 0 points. They turned it over on downs with horrible play calling and execution and then Cook's infamous INT. Whether Baylor wasn't good enough to capitalize (dubious given how they had shredded MSU all game) or MSU was good enough to make the plays to stop them is debateable. But there's two teams involved all the time and they both have a role in the outcome.
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:32 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
January 2nd, 2015 at 9:32 AM ^
Calhoun is expected to go pro. He would be foolish to stay at MSU, especially with Narduzzi gone. With 1st picks no longer getting massive money on their first contract there really isn't much reason to stay in school if you are going to be a 1st or 2nd round pick which Calhoun is.
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:04 AM ^
And that will hurt his stock a bit. I don't think he's a first round pick right now, though he has that potential. I think that's why he'll come back. MSU insiders are saying he's staying, I don't think that's at all set in stone and he'll get an evaluation. Losing Rush will hurt him, but the DTs likely improving will offset that from his position (not necessarily for the whole DL).
I think he has a chance to go rounds 2-3 if he leaves. He comes back, and he can improve his stock to the first round. There's some talent at DE that will be getting drafted this year, but there is every year so I don't think it's a matter of talent around him in the draft.
January 2nd, 2015 at 10:10 AM ^
MSU insiders want him to stay. A lot of mock drafts have him in the 1st round. If you are projected to go in the 1st round or even the 2nd which he will be you go. The risk in coming back is to great (see Todd Gurley).
January 2nd, 2015 at 11:02 AM ^
of what I've been hearing on Calhoun. Some of the NFL people I've talked to said Calhoun is a 2nd/3rd rounder. Ton of good edge rusher prospects coming out for the draft which will push him down further.