MSU Football Brings Versatile RB Room Into 2024
In most cases, the ability to run the football is dependent on a team's offensive line. That will be the case again this season for Michigan State, but if the Spartans can hold their own in the trenches, they have a deep stable of running backs that can punish opposing defenses.
It starts with redshirt junior Nate Carter, who is a compact at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, but a decisive and tough runner with good speed. The second-year Spartan, who transferred in from UConn ahead of the 2023 season, has all the qualities to be MSU's lead and every downback this fall.
The Spartans returns two other veteran running backs, both of whom missed time in 2023 due to injury, in sixth-year senior Jaren Mangham and redshirt senior Jalen Berger. At 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, Mangham is a load to bring down and runs with a battering ram style, suited well for short-yardage situations. Berger is a little bigger than Carter at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds but shares many of the same qualities. He's also a weapon out of the backfield as a pass catcher.
MSU running backs coach Keith Bhonapha commented on the versatility of his position group during media availability last week.
"It's always good," Bhonapha said. "I think guys have different skillsets and tools. To say you necessarily have this outlying plan of this is how I want this room to be put together — no. But, I also think it is really good that we have guys that do have different things that they can do. That keeps the running back room versatile."
Redshirt junior Davion Primm drew a mention from Bhonapha as well, and we've heard that before about the 6-foot, 205-pounder in spring practice. Primm was mentioned often by former head coach Mel Tucker in the last two springs as well. But, the junior may have to continue to wait his turn if Carter, Berger and Mangham all stay healthy in 2024.
"I usually, definitely, like to use two backs," Bhonapha said of his rotation strategy. "Sometimes, we will use three. I just think, first of all, it keeps guys fresh. You don't have to worry about guys getting really banged up too much. I think you can wear defenses down in the second half if you're able to use multiple backs. I think you do a better job of holding on to the ball when guys aren't tired and worn down. I would say this — preferably two, but sometimes there will be three guys."
Michigan State has the guys in the backfield to be effective on the ground but, like usual, the Spartans ability to move the rock on the ground will come down to their improvement along the offensive line.
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