It’s a clean slate for the Michigan State football program.
A first-year head coach, tons of new assistant coaches and support staffers, numerous newcomers, brand new addition to the football facility, all contributing to a new culture.
Defensive lineman Maverick Hansen described it as a blank page in a new chapter of Spartan football.
“The change in culture has been good,” Hansen said after Michigan State’s first spring practice on Tuesday. “It’s definitely a whole new culture, a whole new vibe around here. They came in, they hit the ground running. They started hiring new coaches, starting hiring the people that they felt would fit this place best. I think coach Smith took a great initiative on finding the right people and finding the guys that are going to be able to take the program to the next level.
“I think everyone in here wants to win, wants to take this place to the next level. I have absolutely no complaints about the staff whatsoever.”
The initial spring practice under first year head coach Jonathan Smith marks a new era in East Lansing. It also brings a clean slate, and with that comes some adjustments and changes, even during a full team practice.
“We’re working, that’s for sure,” said Hansen when asked about his takeaway from the first spring practice. “High tempo, flying around, getting the feel of the new practices and how it’s set up. It’s a lot different than how we did practice before… it’s good to get a whole new coaching points from a different staff. After being with the same staff for four years, it’s good to have a new open page, open book.”
Michigan State ran into injury troubles in the past couple of seasons under the previous staff. Preserving the bodies of the players and maintaining longevity is something that is emphasized with the new staff.
“They’re rotating us in and out and making sure that we’re doing the things to set us up for longevity wise,” Hansen said. “Making sure that we're not taking 8-10 reps in a row, just breaking it up so that way we can stay playing fast and physical while still getting our work in, and also making sure that we’re not getting injured.”
