Michigan State Coach Mark Dantonio Talks Lack of Playing Time For Larry Caper, Jeremy Langford & an Injury Update on C Travis Jackson

No one in the Spartan Nation expected the Spartans to start 3-2. Let’s be honest. We also know that with the disappointing start the Spartans can win out

No one in the Spartan Nation expected the Spartans to start 3-2. Let’s be honest. We also know that with the disappointing start the Spartans can win out and control their own destiny. So moving forward, Mark Dantonio talked about some players that we have not seen much of so far.

Just prior to the season Coach Roushar and Coach Samuel told us that they had to find ways to get the ball in the hands of RB/WR Jeremy Langford. We haven’t seen the speedy and talented youngster so I asked Coach D about that.

Speaking of Langford’s lack of playing time he said, “I thought Jeremy had a good summer practice. We're always talking about players through the summer, guys that are surprises to us. But as the situation continued at the end of summer camp, I mean, he had to be more consistent catching the ball as a receiver. He's clearly not the top running back on our football team, so we moved him to receiver. I think he is an exciting player with the ball in his hands. Down‑the‑field catches, he wasn't getting it done.”

He went on to add about the lack of reps for Langford that, “Because we took the redshirt off of Macgarrett Kings and Burbridge, we needed to create some opportunities for them. I think they need to get some opportunities. We'll see those opportunities come.”

The offensive staff also put a lot of emphasis prior to the year on Larry Caper. The backup RB is very talented and was a star his freshman year. I asked Dantonio to address the lack of playing time for Caper and he said, “I think Larry should get more touches. It's situational how it all plays out. If he gets in the secondary, he has to be good getting through people. He's a little bit more of a straight‑line runner. Le'Veon created situations with spins, jumps, running through people. It's not that Larry is playing poorly, it's more the effect that Le'Veon has been a guy that is a little bit more of an impact guy. We've gone with the guy with the impact.”

Finally, Dantonio was asked for an update on C Travis Jackson. We learned after the game on Saturday that he had broken his leg and done extensive damage to his MCL. Dantonio stated, “Three‑month rehab. It's broken fibula. He's got to have surgery to put a couple screws in as well. So it's a three‑month rehab. He'll be back for the spring. He's a tough guy.”