Spartans' Loaded Running Back Room Primed For Big 2024

Michigan State football has few position groups more loaded that the running back room...

Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith and his staff have an interesting roster dilemma on their hands heading into the 2024 season.

At some positions, the Spartans are loaded with talented options and depth, while at others, there are a limited number of viable options. One of those positions of strength is running back, where MSU returns redshirt junior Nate Carter, redshirt senior Jalen Berger, sixth-year senior Jaren Mangham and redshirt junior Davion Primm.

MSU could also pursue Oregon State tailback Damien Martinez, who announced his intention to enter the transfer portal when the spring window opens on April 16. A rising junior, Martinez played the first two seasons of his collegiate career under Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren. He also played for new MSU running backs coach Keith Bhonapha, providing more familiarity with the Spartans.

Following a spring practice earlier this month, here's what Bhonapha had to say about each of the returning running backs currently on Michigan State's roster:

Nate Carter (R-Jr.)

"I'll say this, Nate is a great kid. I think he's very conscientious and he cares, plays with a really low center of gravity. I think when it comes to his ability to start and stop and accelerate, he's really good at that. I think the big thing, as always, with guys that have that ability, you've got to get them to be urgent but have pace as they work their way to the different holes. When we get to some of our other run schemes, that's going to be where he continues to take the next step. I'm excited to watch him as he gains confidence throughout the course of spring, because he has some special tools that are awesome to see."

Jaren Mangham (6th-Yr)

"I just watched a little bit of what he did before he got hurt, and then mostly practice tape because of his circumstances. But, I think from a talent standpoint, he's a big body, I think he moves well for his size. I think, for us with the things that we do, if we can get him running and not second-guessing himself when it comes to when I'm going to get vertical, when I'm going to change directions and things like that, he's going to be really good."

Jalen Berger (R-Sr.)

"I think he's excited to be back out there. Obviously, it's one of those things where, especially with what it sounds like the injury that he had, you want to make sure he's 100 percent before you go just straight full-throttle with him. I've been pleasantly surprised with the way he moves. He does catch the ball very well. We haven't done a bunch so far in our installs with thowing him a bunch of screens or anything like that, but I do think he's going to be a exciting player to watch. Just with the injury that he had, just with his mass, he's going to have to get bigger and continue to work because he couldn't really work out during that time [while injured]."

Davion Primm (R-Jr.)

"He's just young. Obviously, I go back to transition and change is hard. Not that I'm saying it's hard for him, but being a young guy getting kind of settled in with the offense and then it changes on you so abruptly, he's just going to continue to take time and, just like everybody else, kind of learn how we do things and the offense as well."

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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