Michigan Football: Michigan State Players to Watch
By Jay Meade
Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
In the last few years it would seem that Michigan State always keeps a good stable of running backs. This year is no different.
Michigan State has been riddled with injuries so far this year, but the running back position has not suffered. LJ Scott is a freshman this year, but looks like he is already prepared to take this role. Scott has 70 rushes for 418 yards and six touchdowns. He hasn’t been overly impactful in the passing game with only two receptions for 13 yards.
Sparty is no slouch when it comes to development, and of late, they are no slouch in recruiting either. Scott isn’t overly powerful; he kind of reminds me of a slimmer and slightly faster Le’Veon Bell.
Scott is a very aware player who does not at all shy away from contact. He braves the chance to take it in the redzone as well. He is currently the leading rusher for the Spartans. Madre London went down with an injury and has since been limited with his carries.
Michigan State runs a two-back system. London isn’t who worries me. Scott is.
Scott has significantly less carries than London but has more yards than London does. Though both are freshmen it would seem that Scott is the better choice to continue the taking majority of the carries, while London could be good to give Scott a breather.
London is good in his own right and surely is not to be slept on, but Scott is the go-to guy in my mind for in Sparty backfield. If the Michigan linebackers can keep their heads on a swivel, they will be fine. If they let Scott go off on a tear, it could end very badly.
Next: WR Aaron Burbridge