Starters:
Foster: The r-Sr. is coming off a 43-576 season. Foster is a strong route runner who had too many drops in 2023 but looked smooth in the Spring Game. I can see him getting to 60-600.
Glover: The So. is coming off a 14-260 season. Glover did well with the deep ball and contested catches in 2023. He could easily double these numbers this year with better QB play, getting to ~30-500
Marsh: Marsh is an early enrolled Freshman and an instant contributor. At 6'3", he has the size to hold his own. And has the nickname "Megatron"/ In the Spring game, he showed good adjustment to the ball and a willingness to block. And as coaches say, "gotta block to get the rock". I'd rather not have to play him out of desperation early. I'd love to see him get 2-3 touches a game, 25-35 catches on the year. And breakout next year.
All three are playing a role one level higher than they should. Foster is our WR1 for now, but probs best a WR2. Glover and Marsh might compete for WR2, but should be WR3
Portal Out:
Antonio Gates hit the portal, more of a loss in the legacy name department than anything else. He was a 4* and could have become something here. But if you can't crack the top 4 in this room, are you really worth getting upset over? More coverage on transfers out here.
Portal In?
Ja'Varrius Johnson from Auburn named MSU in his Top 4. Johnson is 5-10, 170. He is very fast and agile and makes guys miss. Despite poor quarterback play at AUB last year, he still racked up 64 Receptions for 1,114 Yards and 8 TDs. He has one year of eligibility left.
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Next Up:
Alante Brown: By all accounts, the staff likes what he is bringing to the table. He has plenty of experience with 41 collegiate games (11 starts @ Nebraska) and offers KR ability. He didn't do much in the spring game. But he has some of the top speed and quickness in the WR room. And his skill set is similar to past WR success stories from Smiths time at OSU.
Depth:
Johnson and Smith are R-Fr with an opportunity to play and climb up the depth chart. Smith has the potential to make an impact this year with his versatility; in his SR year in HS, he had 830 rush and 700 REC yards, with 20 TDs.
Clay and Brown will be Freshmen who could use a redshirt.
Some notes from 24/7 on Brown:
6'3", and while raw, he has a huge ceiling with his very strong ball skills and natural body control.
His ability to outjump everyone and make contested catches in tight windows should translate to college level.
He has shown very good acceleration and ability to get a quick release off the LOS.
Assessment: We need help here. It's good to see the staff active in the portal and looking to add a quality body that can start this season. It will be interesting to see how the WR room develops in a new scheme and fresh slate. The depth chart here is far from solidified or final, with the portal being heavily evaluated.
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