The Importance of Michigan State Tight Ends Coach Brian Wozniak
Tight ends were vital to Michigan State's offense under both Mel Tucker and Mark Dantonio. New Spartans tight ends coach Brian Wozniak will have the task of carrying on that area of importance.
Wozniak already has a talented and experienced tight end to work with, Jack Velling, whom he coached at Oregon State. In the 2023 season, Velling was third in receiving yards under Wozniak and new Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith and caught the most touchdown passes on his team. From that 2023 campaign, it is safe to say Wozniak has a good player to lead the position group.
Wozniak also has the benefit of still working under Smith, whom he has coached with for many seasons.
"If you guys know anything about Jonathan Smith, he's going to be about five steps ahead of you," Wozniak told reporters on Thursday.
Having a coach with a plan for every scenario is good because it shows that he can do what needs to be done under pressure, especially if many audibles are being called, substitutions are being made, etc. Wozniak said Coach Smith has been studying everything and getting his agenda straight.
Tight ends are the security blanket of the offense, usually there when the receivers are being smothered and the quarterback needs to get the ball away and into the hands of an offensive player.
Wozniak's tight ends should help alleviate the pressure that new Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles will be facing next season. Chiles is already being regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten, which means he is going to have a big target on his back.
With the Spring Showcase game approaching, the Michigan State offense will look to decide who plays where. Throughout the practices, the Spartans receivers have played both slot and exterior, the linemen have played guard and tackle and the quarterbacks have taken plenty of rotations to prove themselves. The running back room is up in the air, with a few guys who look to take the starting job.
Wozniak has experience as a Big Ten tight end, which should help him immensely in this new chapter of his coaching journey.
The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.
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