News and Notes From Spartan Football 04/20/10 Edition

 Chris Norman continues to shine this spring. Mark Dantonio acknowledged that he is the starter and is solid in that spot. As the young LB grows in

 

The Spartan offensive line remains under the microscope this spring

Chris Norman continues to shine this spring. Mark Dantonio acknowledged that he is the starter and is solid in that spot. As the young LB grows in confidence and comfort he allows Pat Narduzzi to have even more weapons in his arsenal.

 

Another defender who continues to perform at a high level is Tyler Hoover. Dantonio said, “Knowing you can do it is better,” referring to Hoover’s confidence. Knowing that he can play with a low pad level and at a high rate has helped Hoover perform not having to think. His big size and impressive athleticism combined with that new confidence is a good thing. Dantonio added, “He is using his body and strength.”

 

Corey Freeman is the third string DE right now, but that doesn’t mean he is out. Dantonio actually characterized him as “2 ½.”  He is behind Denzel Drone who is almost twenty pounds heavier. Dantonio recently characterized Drone as “Young, great ability, he can run, active, tough and wants it.” This is high praise from a coach who doesn’t waste words or compliments.

 

Remember that name: Denzel Drone. This Saturday at the spring game you want to watch him.

 

The conventional wisdom around the program at the conclusion of last season was that Nate Klatt would have the inside shot at the starting center job in 2010. He is highly talented and truly plays center like an art form. The Spartan staff wanted to get a more athletic line for this season.

 

John Stipek, the fifth year senior center, has lost 26 pounds since last season and is now 284 pounds. He has had one of the best springs and is flying around making some very athletic plays. His hard work has him running as the number one center right now and he has a great shot of winning it. That battle will go into the fall. Many thought Stipek outplayed Joel Nitchman last season when he was injured. To his credit, Stipek didn’t get bitter; he got better. He told me, “I just had to be humble and patient…I wanted to increase my mobility and endurance.”

 

A lot of players could learn from Stipek. You see players who get to their senior years and starting pouting about why they haven’t played rather than just working even harder.

 

Max Bullough continues to shine. He is a sure tackler and once his mitts get an offensive player they don’t break his tackles. One thing that has impressed the team is that he doesn’t go for the Sportscenter hits. He is just a lunch pale blue-collar player who if you are old enough to remember plays like his father (Shane) and Uncle Chuck. I asked Bullough about his style of play and commitment to just making the play, “You don’t win with highlight hits. I just want to make sure he goes down and get off the field so our offense can do what they do.” 

 

 

OC Don Treadwell was a well-respected QB in high school. When he went to college he made the switch to WR like he is asking Keith Nichol to do now. He said about Nichol’s transformation, “I did the same and I think he is really picking it up.”

 

Keshawn “KMART” Martin has done it also. Imagine the Spartans top two wide outs being ex QBs and what that can do for this team. There are a lot of options and “trickeration” that really opens up the playbook even more.

 

Speaking of Nichol, Treadwell glowingly talked about the fact that in Ken Mannie’s weight room Nichol “Holds almost all the lifting records.”

  

Â