Posts tagged Connor Cook
It's Not Crazy, It's Sports
MSU Spring Game
I went to the MSU Spring Game on Saturday and I didn’t pay as close attention as I would have liked. I did DVR the game, so I will be able to watch it again and give better insight.
But I figured I would write what I saw during the game before I forgot.
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I am worried about the QB/WR situation. The WRs aren’t catching the ball. I don’t know if that is the fault of our WRs or our QBs, but it is an issue. Aaron Burbridge (WR) reminds me of a slightly smaller B.J. Cunningham because he makes plays and adjusts to the ball. I also noticed that the WR from Tennessee (DeAnthony Arnett) made a good catch or two. But besides them, there were still WAY too many dropped balls.
None of the QBs impressed me. So I am hoping that Maxwell stays as our starter because he has more in-game experience.
However, I think our running game will be fine. No we don’t have Le’Veon Bell, but now we have possibly 2 who each possess the qualities Bell had (power and speed/mobility). Power from Bullough and Speed from Hill. I think our defense is just as good as always. Interchanging those two will be a great balance in our run game.
I am really excited to see how our co-offenseive coordinators do. I was never happy with Roushar’s play-calling.
Our defense is phenomenal like always. Tawian Jones (LB) and Mylan Hicks (CB) stood out the most in my opinion. The line was quick off the snap and had many opportunities to sack the QB (if the QBs were live). The secondary was strong too, with a lot of pass breakups and interceptions.
I don’t remember which team (green or white), but I noticed the QBs were scrambling way too much. I don’t know if it was because the Oline is as bad as last year, or if the defense is just that good. But that made me worried.
Football Spring Game Draft Held Wednesday
Green Team
Coach: Pat Narduzzi (defensive coordinator)
Seniors: Denicos Allen (LB), Max Bullough (LB), Henry Conway (OT), Darqueze Dennard (CB), Bennie Fowler (WR), Dan France (OL), Derek Hoebing (OT), Tyler Hoover (DT) and Jairus Jones (LB/S).
First Picks: Trae Waynes (CB), Riley Bullough (RB), Kurtis Drummond (S), Lawrence Thomas (DT), Trevon Pendleton (FB), Kevin Cronin (K), and Connor Cook (QB).
White Team
Coach: Dave Warner (co-offensive coordinator)
Seniors: Denzel Drone (DE), Kyler Elsworth (LB), Danny Folino (LB), Fou Fonoti (OT), Isaiah Lewis (S), Andrew Maxwell (QB), Kevin Muma (K), Micajah Reynolds (DL) and Blake Treadwell (OG).
First Picks: Travis Jackson (C), Shilique Calhoun (DE), Jack Conklin (OT), Keith Mumphery (WR), Taiwan Jones (LB), and Andrew Gleichert (TE).
Michigan State's Quarterback Competition
Dantonio said in January that Maxwell remains the No. 1 quarterback going into the spring, but it’s clear that there will be an open competition for the job. Cook has more of a gunslinger’s mentality and must prove that he can avoid big mistakes. O’Connor was a well-regarded recruit who spent his redshirt year learning the system. He’s still got a lot of ground to make up. The wild card is Terry, a prized signee who brings something different to the table with his ability to run. But it’s hard to imagine Dantonio giving the keys to the offense to a true freshman who won’t arrive on campus until this summer.
Big Ten Network writer ranks Michigan State QBs 9th in Big Ten, but is that a fair assessment?
Big Ten Network senior writer Tom Dienhart recently ranked the Big Ten programs by their quarterback position…
“Andrew Maxwell, who has waited three seasons for this, is lauded by many as a better athlete and passer than the departed Kirk Cousins,” Dienhart wrote. “But is the junior a leader? And can he deliver in the clutch? Maxwell’s development will be key to the Spartans’ hopes to win the Legends again. Connor Cook is a redshirt freshman who showed a grasp of the offense and potential in the spring game. This duo could move up the chart quickly as its body of work expands.”
What MSU Fans Need to Watch During Spring Game
1. Passing Game
The quarterback (Andrew Maxwell vs Connor Cook) and wide receiver (Tony Lippett vs Bennie Fowler vs Keith Mumphery vs DeAnthony Arnett) positions are up for grabs, along with some tight end spots (Dion Sims vs Evan Jones vs Josiah Price.
2. Offensive Line
As mentioned before, the offensive line should be stable this coming season. Most of the men return for another year, and each position is packed with talented backups.
3. Running Game
Last season the running game was not very effective due to very few veterans on the offensive line. Now that the linemen have more experience, expect the running backs to carry the ball more often. LeVeon Bell had an excellent season last year with carries split between Edwin Baker and Larry Caper. Baker declaring early to the NFL will give Bell the bulk of the carries this coming season. Bell may have the nod, but the players below him could easily change that. Caper is due for some playing time along with fellow running backs Nick Hill and Jeremy Langford. All of these players will be fun to watch when the spring game begins.
4. Defense
The whole defense will be something to watch this spring. After ranking in the top 20 in seven statistical categories and being the top defense in the Big Ten, this group is nothing but dominant. A majority of the defense returns this season, but there are some key spots that need replacing. The most critical area that needs to be addressed is the defensive tackle position (after Jerel Worthy declared himself for the NFL draft).
5. Special Teams (Punt Return)
The coaches are hoping Nick Hill will be the guy to replace Keshawn Martin. He has great field vision and releases quickly. He averaged 26.3 yards per gain on kick returns he attempted along with five punts returned last year. The most notable loss for MSU is the do-it-all receiver and punt returner Keshawn Martin.
