MSU Coach Jonathan Smith Talks Wide Receiver Group

Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith says his wide receivers have been making plays.

The Michigan State football team has a lot to be excited for in the upcoming 2024 season. As spring ball rolls on toward the "Spring Showcase," a clearer vision of Coach Jonathan Smith's Spartans has emerged. For instance, presumed QB1 frontrunner Aidan Chiles has shined.

"I think he's been solid," Smith told media members Tuesday. "The offense part hasn't been hard on him [Chiles]. Just getting timing with those guys, he's working at it. It's a lot different. He's so much more comfortable. Physically, he's bigger -- about 20 pounds heavier [since last August]."

Smith also had positive things to say regarding what he has seen from his wide receiver room so far in spring practice.

"[Antonio] Gates [Jr.] has made some plays, Montorie [Foster Jr.] had a couple today, Cadillac [Alante Brown] -- we're pleased with where that group is progressing," Smith said.

Gates Jr. is a redshirt sophomore who made his debut against Central Michigan last season. He played in all 12 games, making five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Gates Jr. was rated a 4-star and the top receiver in Michigan in his recruiting class by ESPN.com and 247Sports. He was rated No. 289 on the ESPN300. Gates Jr. is the son of former NFL All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates.

Foster Jr. is a fifth-year senior who led the Spartans with 43 receptions and 576 receiving yards last season. His three touchdown receptions were tied for the team-lead. In four seasons, Foster Jr. has a total of 62 receptions for 838 yards and five touchdowns.

Foster was a member of the 2020 recruiting class, where he was rated the No. 3 receiver in his home state of Ohio by 247Sports.

Brown was a transfer last season from Nebraska. In 11 games, he saw action on offense and special teams. He made three starts.

Between Michigan State and Nebraska, Brown has played in 41 games, totaling 289 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He recorded just three receptions for 27 yards in his first season with the Spartans.

Smith said he is looking forward to live scrimmages and continuing the installation of his system.

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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