3 Important Weapons For MSU’s New Starting Quarterback

As the Spartans' break in a new starting quarterback, other players have to step up to make that transition easier...

Even before former starting quarterback Payton Thorne transferred to Auburn in May, Michigan State’s QB competition was the main topic of discussion this offseason. Redshirt junior quarterback Noah Kim and redshirt freshman Katin Houser were to two left standing post-spring, and will continue to battle in fall camp.

Regardless of who starts, the weapons around the Spartans’ next quarterback will feature a lot of new faces: Some experienced players stepping into a larger role, some young, new faces and some incoming transfers.

Here are three weapons who are vital to Michigan State’s new starting quarterback find success in 2023:

Sophomore Wide Receiver Tyrell Henry

It is well known that senior Tre Mosley will headline this wide receiver core, but several guys are vying for playing time alongside the veteran. It is important for at least one of the sophomore receivers to step up, and Henry is who I’m placing my money on.

The 6-foot, 175-pounder will see his role on offense increase, and will continue to make an impace for the Spartans on special teams as the team’s returner. Henry is an explosive player, one of the fastest on the team, and he has the ability to stretch defenses on offense. Shifty enough, the sophomore can be used in the run game as well on ‘jet sweep’ type plays.

Henry will fill some big shoes with Jayden Reed leaving for the NFL. More receivers will need to step up in order for the Spartans to maximize their production on offense. To do so, having a player on the outside to compliment Mosley is key.

Redshirt Junior Running Back Jalen Berger

Berger is an important weapon. Not only as a rusher to ease the workload for the QB, but as a pass catcher. His second season in the program, the redshirt junior is expected to take a leap after an up-and-down season in 2022.

Berger finished fifth on the team in receptions with 19 last season. While he may be fourth or fifth again in receptions this fall, expect that number to increase. A new quarterback needs to utilize as many weapons as possible, and ‘check-down’ to the running back when needed.

The Spartans will also get a chance to see how well transfer running back Nathan Carter does in this area. Using a running back as a receiving option in the passing game hurts defenses by creating mismatches. Michigan State needs to do this more effectively than they have in recent years.

Redshirt Junior Tight End Maliq Carr

For the third straight season, Michigan State’s tight end room has added multiple transfers. This is Carr’s third year with the Spartans, and he will battle with a whole new group again for a starting job.

With 24 receptions over the last two seasons, Carr is considered the favorite to earn the most snaps at the position in 2023. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he is one of the largest targets available for Kim or Houser, and the tight end can be used out wide or in on the offensive line.

Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson wants to utilize the tight end more. With a rotation of Carr, transfers, and younger tight ends, this position group can be the determining factor for this offense, both in the pass game and the run game.

Reviving MSU’s rushing attack will create the balance the Spartans want in their offense. That’s also vital for breaking in a new quarterback, no matter who it is. A reliable run game takes pressure off the quarterback. We saw that to great effect with how Kenneth Walker III helped Thorne in 2021. All three of these weapons can make an impact on Michigan State’s run and pass game, as the Spartans look to get back on track.