Michigan State Names 3 Former Dantonio Recruits Captains vs. Washington

Just hours before Michigan State is set to kick off it's matchup with No. 8 Washington at Spartan Stadium, the program announced it's three captains for the game.

All three guys were recruited to MSU by former head coach Mark Dantonio.

Redshirt senior wide receiver Tre Mosley, redshirt senior center Nick Samac and redshirt junior defensive tackles Simeon Barrow will be the Spartans' captains on the day Dantonio returns to the coaching staff as associate head coach.

Week 3 Captains, reporting for duty. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/MsVaL05KOf
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) September 16, 2023

Dantonio's return, of course, coincides with the suspension of current head coach Mel Tucker, who is being investigated for allegations of sexual harassment. Michigan State has promoted secondary coach Harlon Barnett to "acting head coach" while the investigation continues.

Michigan State has announced that Dantonio will serve as an advisor to Barnett and the coaching staff on game days and throughout the week at practice and in meetings. Defensive analyst TJ Hollowell will be designated as MSU’s 10th on-field assistant coach. Hollowell is in his fourth season as a defensive analyst at Michigan State.

“Mark Dantonio is an excellent football coach and it’s been great having him back in the building this week,” said Barnett. “Coach D brings the calming presence, the wisdom, and the knowledge of being a head coach. He is a tremendous resource for our staff and players and is willing to help with all aspects of the operation.

“In terms of the coaching staff, after evaluating our immediate needs this week, we felt that it was best served for Coach D to help in an advisory role and for TJ Hollowell to be our 10th on-field assistant coach. TJ has knowledge of our defensive schemes and personnel having been on staff for four seasons, which provides the most seamless transition for our program. As the 10th on-field assistant, TJ can go on the road recruiting, and has done so for our program previously. I’m confident in our coaching staff and I appreciate all of the hard work everyone is putting in with our players and program.”

Mosley and Samac were each part of the Spartans' 2019 recruiting class, the last group of freshmen to be coached by Dantonio in the former head coach's final season in East Lansing. Barrow, meanwhile, was a member of the 2020 class which was signed by Dantonio but coached by Tucker in his first season leading the program.

All three players are starters for this 2023 team, and bring a plethora of experience into Saturday's game. Michigan State (2-0) hosts No. 8 Washington (2-0) on Saturday in Spartan Stadium at 5 p.m. The game will be streamed live on Peacock.

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