MSU Newcomers Contributing

Obviously, this game isn't much of a measuring stick for MSU football. It is however, a nice opportunity to develop depth and look at the new contributors in a

Obviously, this game isn't much of a measuring stick for MSU football. It is however, a nice opportunity to develop depth and look at the new contributors in a Spartan uniform. Here is what I have observed thus far from our Spartan newcomers.

Aaron Bates: Not too shabby. I don't normally root for an MSU punt, but I must confess that I'd like to see more of Bates as he shakes off the freshman jitters. As the game went on and more punts were needed, Bates looked solid and serviceable. I expect Bates to progressively get better as the season wears on.

Chris L. Rucker: Nice INT... a little fumblerooski... luckily #36 was there to salvage the turnover. Rucker is athletic and has the speed to make big plays in Narduzzi's defense. He will be a good one for Barnett and will likely see more time throughout the season.

Jon Misch: Yep, he's is in the right place at the right time. In addition to his mid-air Chris L. Rucker fumble recovery, he was all over the field. He is fast, let's hope he can remain durable the rest of the year.

Oren Wilson: Wow, this guy appears to be a stud. Numerous times Oren pushed his man into the backfield and changed the direction of the insuing play. Obviously the Blazers were considerably overmatched. Nevermind today's competition, Oren Wilson is powerful and plays really hard. He is my favorite Spartan newcomer thus far.

Andre Anderson: When Andre makes the right read, you can see why former Minnesota coach Glen Mason loved this guy. He is quick, elusive and has some serious wheels. He is going to be a great back at MSU. Is not afraid to turn it up inside an initiate contact.

Mark Dell: Good all around debut. Probably could have fielded a couple of punts and turned them upfield without calling for the fair catch. I am guessing that he has been told by the MSU staff to play it safe as a return man. Mark has good hands and is a weapon on the outside. Looked good on the reverse.

Antonio Jeremiah: Big Antonio looked like a Big Ten DT at times. Appears to have the body to play right away. Kept his man from pushing him off the ball and did a nice job maintaining his position.

Nick Foles: Foles is cool under pressure. He is heady with the ball and throws well on the run outside the pocket. Displayed nice awareness by taking what the "D" gives him. Looks to be Hoyer's successor and will make the Spartan Nation forget all about Keith Nichol. Nick looked very good for a true freshman making his debut under center.

Greg Jones: Greg Jones is going to play a lot of football for MSU. He is one of those cerebral football players that has the athleticism to be an immediate impact player. Looks great when he blitzes and has the speed to be a solid coverman in the flat. Kind of reminds me of Dixon Edwards. I think it is going to be harder and harder to keep Jones off the field as we get into the meat of our schedule.