MSU's Jonathan Smith Talks New Helmet Communication
The Michigan State Spartans are not unlike many other teams around the country experimenting with helmet communication technology. The Spartans have begun that process in spring practice.
Spartans coach Jonathan Smith discussed the new implementation when he addressed the media Tuesday.
"I think they [the players] liked it," Smith said.
The first-year Michigan State coach added that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Lindgren has also liked using the technology so far.
Smith also said that the Spartans have not done a "ton of it" on the defensive side of the ball and that the defense would start using it more in the coming weeks. Smith acknowledged that there were still some "kinks" to be worked out with the technology.
"We haven't just flat out done a scrimmage where it's all completely game-like," he said. "Hopefully we'll get some of that done here the next few days."
Smith said that his team will still continue to script plays this summer.
"It's not like he's [Lindgren] talking to him [the quarterback] the whole time," Smith said. "Simulating that is something we're working on each day. A true game day atmosphere like scrimmages will be the next step on the communication."
In early March, the NCAA Football Rules Committee proposed the rule that one player could have a speaker in his helmet to hear his coaches, according to NBC Sports. The proposal states, "The communication from the coach to the player would be turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock or when the ball is snapped." The player would be identified by having a green dot on their helmet, the proposal said.
Per NBC Sports, the issue of using electronic communication devices became prevalent after former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended over accusations of his team allegedly breaking NCAA sign stealing rules.
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel will meet on April 18 to determine whether or not to approve the rule. If the rule is approved, it will become official for the upcoming season.
Michigan State football is in its third week of 2024 spring practice.
The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spartan Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 PM.
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