V-CAST: Talking spring football kickoff Sherman
EAST LANSING - Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and his coordinators Pat Narduzzi and Dan Roushar met with members of the media to discuss developments in the Spartan football program one day before the onset of spring football.
After Dantonio and his two coordinators answered questions, SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk sat down and discussed some of the key developments from the press conference.
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After sorting out football developments, Comp and PK turn their attention to basketball and the impending transfer of sophomore center Garrick Sherman. Sherman made the decision to transfer from Tom Izzo's program after discussing his future with his family during a visit home last weekend.
Hammock has trimmed down and is showing promise at linebacker: One of the biggest developments touched upon in the press conference is the offseason strides made by sophomore TyQuan Hammock, who will take reps at both Mike and Sam linebacker spots during the spring after spending most of 2010 at fullback.
A Top 5 player in Indiana as a senior at Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers, Hammock was moved to fullback as a red-shirt freshman after gaining too much weight to effectively play linebacker for the Spartans. Hammock has worked hard to shed excess pounds and is trimmed down to 227 pounds at the onset of spring football.
Hammock is listed as the No. 2 Mike linebacker behind Steve Gardiner. Sophomore Max Bullough is listed as the No. 3 Mike linebacker at the onset of spring. Bullough's status as third-stringer is temporary. His temporary demotion is disciplinary in response to an off-the-field incident during spring break.
The trio of Hammock, Bullough, and Gardiner give Michigan State a strong foundation inside as the Spartans look to replace the production of All-American Greg Jones.
Sims is back: With sophomore tight end Dion Sims back in the mix at tight end, the Spartans are better situated to address the departure of three-year starter Charlie Gantt. Sims is listed No. 2 on the depth chart behind Garrett Celek.
Sims missed all of last season after being suspended indefinitely for a minor role in a stolen laptop computer ring. The former Orchard Lake St. Mary's star had been expected to be a star for the Spartans in 2010 coming of a freshman season in which he caught 12 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
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Anderson top candidate to start at fullback: Former walk-on Todd Anderson started the first game of the 2010 season at defensive end before playing a reserve role the rest of the way. Last December, the 6-foot-2, 253-pounder was moved to fullback during bowl practice and he excelled during the short period of time he spent at the position.
This spring Anderson is the frontrunner to earn a starting spot at fullback. Anderson will have completion from a handful of others at fullback. But at the onset of spring Anderson is the favorite to earn a starter's role.
Competition abounds on O-line: With the graduation of both starting tackle positions and center from one year ago, the competition for playing time on the offensive line is wide open. The position of center has four quality candidates vying for a starter's role and the competition at tackle is heated.
V-Cast: Comp and PK on spring football from SpartanMag on Vimeo.
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