Here we go! 2013 MSU Football season has begun! Spartans Report For Preseason Football Camp

Today was the official start of the 2013 Football season and Michigan State players and coaches are underway. Moments ago MSU SID John Lewandowski sent out this press release:

The first preseason practice is scheduled for Saturday morning.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Seventh-year Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio welcomed 105 members of the 2013 team back to campus for physicals, compliance and drug education meetings, and a media workshop on Friday, Aug. 2, as the Spartans opened preseason football camp. The first preseason practice is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. ET.

“Across the country, there’s a sense of excitement as college teams report for the start of preseason football camp,” Dantonio said. “Last season is in the rearview mirror, so everything starts new. In my 30-plus years in the coaching profession, I always look forward to the opening of preseason camp.

“With 18 seniors in preseason camp, we’re excited about the leadership on this football team. We also have 20 juniors in camp, so there’s both leadership and experience on this roster. Those are two critical things that create confidence. The focus is there as well as a sense of urgency, especially for this senior class.

“The returning players expect to win, and they expect to compete for championships. This team has an edge to it, and these players are prepared to ‘Chase It’ in 2013. We anticipate these players demonstrating that same focus and edge on the practice field. We’re all anxious to get back to work.”

Following a 6 a.m. wake-up call and breakfast Saturday, the players will report to the Skandalaris Football Center for team and unit meetings before hitting the practice field for the first time in helmets, T-shirts and shorts. Late Saturday afternoon, the players will participate in a series of (Bottom Line) running tests.

Over the next five days, the Spartans will practice in shorts for two days and shells for two more days before donning full pads for the first time on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Michigan State will conduct its annual Media Day on Monday, Aug. 5.

Michigan State, listed No. 28 in the Preseason USA TODAY Coaches’ Poll, opens the 2013 season and home schedule against Western Michigan on Friday, Aug. 30, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on BTN.