Report: Football assistant coaches earn raises

We've known since MSU announced the retainment of Pat Narduzzi in January that MSU would increase his salary heavily. We'd known since last season that there were plans to give the assistant coaches raises.

Today, the LSJ got the details on those raises. Here are the numbers:

Pat Narduzzi (defensive coordinator): Raise from $233,000 to $500,000. The three-year deal has a retention bonus of one month's salary. Buyout of $250,000 Narduzzi must pay if he leaves for another coordinator job. Buyout does not go into effect if he leaves for a head-coaching job.

Dan Roushar (offensive coordinator): Raise from $230,000 to $305,000

Dave Warner (quarterbacks): Raise from $175,000 to $205,000

Brad Salem (running backs): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Terry Samuel (wide receivers): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mark Staten (offensive line): Raise from $170,000 to $200,000

Ted Gill (defensive line): Raise from $163,500 to $182,000

Mike Tressel (linebackers/special teams): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Harlon Barnett (defensive backs): Raise from $170,000 to $203,000

Given the recent success of the football program, it's hard to argue against any of these raises, especially considering MSU was near the bottom of the Big Ten in assistant coach pay. Narduzzi obviously was the most deserving, given his recent track record and courtship from Texas A&M last winter.

MSU isn't going to keep Narduzzi forever, but this contract shows MSU is willing to pay what it takes for long-term success in football. This way, Narduzzi likely will only leave for a step up. If there's one thing every head coach agrees on, it's that their assistants are underpaid. Georgia head coach Mark Richt got in trouble with the NCAA for paying his coaches with money out of his own pocket. Brady Hoke's success at Michigan was helped by some of the highest salaries for assistants in the country.

Mark Dantonio is building his own coaching tree, with Don Treadwell and Dan Enos already having left for head-coaching jobs, and this money shows the program won't take a step back if more coaches leave. For what it's worth, I could see Warner, Tressel and Barnett earning head-coaching or coordinator jobs down the road.

For most of Dantonio's time at MSU, the program has gotten away with underpaying coaches to develop underrated recruits. The program is on the upswing with the play on the field and the renovations of that field. These salary increases will help MSU try to find consistent, long-term success — something the program has historically lacked.

Football Recruiting Roundup: 5/24

My latest football recruiting roundup for The Only Colors is here. Does the Rose Bowl mean more to recruits than we think?

Mark Hollis named top AD by SBJ, but remains undervalued

The secret has getting out more and more, and if anyone didn't know before Wednesday night, they know now.

MSU athletics director Mark Hollis is one of the best at his job, and he's a steal for MSU. Hollis was named Athletic Director Of The Year by Sports Business Journal on Wednesday. He beat out Michigan's Dave Brandon, Arkansas' Jeff Long and Baylor's Ian McCaw.

The award wasn't a shock to those who have followed MSU sports over the last half-decade. Before he became MSU's top athletic official, Hollis engineered the Cold War ice hockey game at Spartan Stadium in 2001 and the Basketbowl game at Ford Field in 2003. Both events changed how games were played — literally.

He lived out his dream with the Carrier Classic in San Diego last year — an event that will continue in the coming seasons. Hollis continues to find new frontiers, with the goal on a basketball game in Greece possibly down the road.

Since taking over the reins of MSU athletics, Hollis has had unbelievable success in hiring coaches, including baseball's Jake Boss Jr. and hockey's Tom Anastos. Hollis also was a major part in the hiring of football coach Mark Dantonio and women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant. Since Hollis' promotion, MSU athletics is in the midst of one of its most successful eras. 

Off the field, Hollis' relationship with Nike has brought huge dividends to the department with the Spartan brand identity renewal in 2010. He helped the athletic department cut expenses and turn a profit after years of losing money. A few months ago, Hollis was named to the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee. 

But for all his accolades, Hollis is greatly undervalued. As part of a USA Today database released in Oct. 2011, it was revealed that Hollis receives the second-lowest salary among public Big Ten schools, ahead of only Nebraska's Tom Osborne. At $395,000, schools such as Minnesota, Purdue, Indiana and Illinois each pay their ADs more than MSU pays Hollis. Ohio State's Gene Smith and Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez each make more than $1 million. For more perspective, some other schools that pay their AD more (at the time of the database) include New Mexico, Florida International and SMU.

MSU has been lucky it has an alumnus like Hollis. From the USA Today story:

"We all have choices," Hollis says, "and as an AD, if you are not comfortable with your compensation, you have a choice. … Everybody knows where they rank and where they stand, and nobody likes to be in last place. With that said … my choice is, I want to be at Michigan State. I'm comfortable with what the president and the board have provided me. I know where it (ranks), but I also know the values that my family gets by being part of this community and that has a great value to me, as do the coaches. It's more than just compensation for me."

MSU came under some fire in the winter when football defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi was courted by Texas A&M with some big money. MSU stepped up and gave Narduzzi the money to keep him around, but there's only so much dough. Tom Izzo is one of the highest-paid basketball coaches in the country, and MSU doesn't bring in nearly the same amount of money that Ohio State and U-M do, while having a comparable number of varsity teams to pay for. The university is having its own financial problems with dwindling public funding.

If MSU can't pay Hollis a completive rate right now, what happens when MSU needs its next AD? What if Hollis becomes the next Big Ten commissioner? (A role most everyone agree he would excel in).

Wednesday night was just a confirmation of what those in East Lansing have known for a long time: Hollis is one of the best in the business. But MSU's past drama with athletics management should be a lesson for what can happen when people aren't on the same page.

Hollis always says he wants to consistently compete for Rose Bowls and Final Fours. At some point, MSU will have to compete with the big boys financially in order to compete on the fields. ADs like Hollis don't come around very often.

Thoughts on 2015/16 football schedules

The Big Ten released the 2015/16 schedules today, and my first reaction was that the MSU schedules are very similar to 2011/12.

Here's the 2015 Big Ten schedule for MSU:

Oct. 3 Michigan
Oct. 10 at Iowa
Oct. 17 at Ohio State
Oct. 24 Indiana
Oct. 31 at Nebraska
Nov. 7 Bye
Nov. 14 Penn State
Nov. 21 at Northwestern
Nov. 28 Minnesota

Here is 2016:

Oct. 1 at Michigan
Oct. 8 Iowa
Oct. 15 Ohio State
Oct. 22 at Indiana
Oct. 29 Nebraska
Nov. 5 Bye
Nov. 12 at Penn State
Nov. 19 Northwestern
Nov. 26 at Minnesota
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(Here are the 2012/13/14 schedules)

MSU will play the same teams these two seasons as they did/will in 2011/12, with Penn State (remember them?) replacing Wisconsin. Compared to 2013/14, MSU will replace Purdue/Illinois with Ohio State and Penn State. The Land Grant trophy will (presumably) be on the line for the first time in five years when MSU and PSU meet in East Lansing on Nov. 14, 2015. After this coming season, the #borderbattle with Wisconsin will go on hiatus for five years. I'm sure MSU is happy about that, but it will stop what was becoming a great rivalry.

A reminder: Indiana is MSU's permanent division-crossover game. You can just feel the rivalry hatred oozing out of the Old Brass Spittoon.

The other major point is that MSU will open up the Big Ten seasons with rival Michigan, which has to be considered a disappointment. In these two years, the game's meaning in the standings won't really be known until later in the season. Given how early it is in the season, could it possibly be a night game? I wouldn't plan on it.

Considering MSU will have nonconference games against Alabama, Oregon and Notre Dame over the two years, the first seven games of the season are going to be a real challenge. Games against Indiana and the MAC schools should help, but who knows how teams will look five years down the road.

As for the home/road difference, it is pretty balanced when you include the nonconference games.

Overall, the schedule looks quite difficult (if you go by current program standing), but it appears this is how the scheduling is going to be. For MSU, the 2011/12 schedules are really difficult, but the 2013/14 schedules are much easier. (Seriously, MSU could be a national championship contender in 2013).

Then again, if the ACC implodes and we get to four superconferences, none of this will matter. Tradition!

Random MSU Photo of the Day: 5/21

From 1913:


"Students stand in front of a M.A.C. train car coming home from a game in Wisconsin. Signs reads, "MAC Football Special" and "MAC Did It." The front reads, "At St. Johns on way home from victory at Madison Wis. M.A. C. 12 - U. of W. 7, Madison, Wis." Photograph has been cut out of a scrapbook. On the back is a picture of a M.A.C. military student in uniform."

via MSU Archives

Random MSU Photo of the Day: 5/18

An action shot from the MAC-Notre Dame football game in 1910. MAC won the game 17-0 in East Lansing and went 6-1 on the season.

The photo says "Exelby (MAC) thru line." This likely is referring to Leon Exelby, a fullback from Britton, Mich., who played at MAC from 1907-10.

via MSU Archives

MSU Football Recruiting Roundup: 5/17

If you didn't know by now, I've been writing football recruiting roundups once a week over at The Only Colors for a while. I figure I may as well link to it here from now on.

Here is the latest, with updates on Texas OL commit Caleb Benenoch and some southern prospects MSU is going after.

Also, a quick note: B.J. Cunningham officially signed with the Dolphins, the team announced today. It is a four-year rookie contract.

Random MSU Photo of the Day: 5/11

"Action shot from a M.A.C.-DePaul football game, October 6, 1909. On the front: 'M.A.C. 51. DePaul 3 Oct 6.'"

The MSU media guide says this game actually took place on Nov. 6, 1909 and the score was 51-0. I think I'm going to side with the photo. MSU went 8-1 in 1909, with the only loss coming at Notre Dame by a 17-0 score.

via MSU Archives

Video: College Football Live breaks down MSU

From ESPN:

DeAnthony Arnett cleared to play next fall

In an unsurprising decision, the NCAA has granted transfer wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett a medical waiver, allowing him to play this coming season after transferring from Tennessee following last season.

Arnett, who chose Tennessee over MSU and a few other schools out of high school, wanted to play closer to his hometown of Saginaw due to the health of his father, who needs a kidney transplant.

What was a surprise, though, was how long it took the NCAA to make a decision on what seemed like a no-brainer. Joe Rexrode of the LSJ reported that the NCAA asked for more medical info twice in the last three weeks. I don't blame the NCAA for wanting to make sure everything checks out, but still.

Looking ahead to next fall, Arnett should be an immediate contributor. He struggled a bit in spring ball, what with a new team and all, but he should be much-improved by the time the season rolls around. He had 24 catches for 242 yards and two touchdowns for Tennessee last year. With a depleted receiving corps, MSU needs as much experienced help as it can get.

The MSU football Twitter account sent out some quotes from Arnett and Mark Dantonio.

Arnett:

"Coach D's call (regarding the NCAA's decision) put a big smile on my face. … From the beginning, my father told me not to worry and to put the waiver request in the good Lord's hands. … I'm glad everything is taken care of, so I can concentrate on preparing to have an impact on the team this fall."

Dantonio: 

“We received exciting news from the NCAA late this morning, stating that DeAnthony Arnett’s waiver request has been granted, so he’ll be eligible to participate this season. … The NCAA's decision isn't just beneficial to him as an individual but to his entire family as well, knowing that they'll have an opportunity to see him compete this season. … (He) appreciates Michigan State’s complete team effort, led by (AD) Mark Hollis and (FAR) Mike Kasavana, in presenting his case. … Our compliance staff did an outstanding job of compiling all of his father’s medical records & presenting the facts to the NCAA. … Our director of football operations Tim Allen also worked closely with the compliance staff throughout this process. … "(He) is thrilled with the NCAA’s decision, & he's looking forward to getting back to work in preparation for the upcoming season."

Random MSU Photo of the Day: 5/10

An action photo from MAC's 12-7 win at Wisconsin in 1913. MAC went 7-0 under head coach John Macklin that season.

via MSU Archives

Report: Matt Giampapa leaves MSU football team, will transfer

Hondo Carpenter of SpartanNation.com first reported Friday morning that long snapper Matt Giampapa will transfer out of the MSU football program.

MLive later confirmed the news with MSU.

Giampapa's decision doesn't come as a complete surprise, as the writing appeared to be on the wall. After earning a scholarship as a freshman walk-on player last year, Giampapa was suspended for the Outback Bowl. Last month, MSU offered a late scholarship to 2012 Saline long snapper Taybor Pepper, who quickly took up the offer instead of walking-on at Michigan.

Steve Moore, who did the long snapping in the Outback Bowl, did the same in last week's Spring Game.

MSU told MLive that Giampapa wants to move closer to home. Giampapa is from Jackson, Tenn. A decision on where to transfer has not been made.

William Gholston and Lawrence Thomas OK after Wednesday car accident.

A statement has been released by MSU:

"William Gholston and Lawrence Thomas were shaken after being involved in a rollover accident Wednesday afternoon. The police responded within minutes of the accident, and thankfully, no one was seriously injured. Fortunately, both of them were wearing their seat belts and that made a difference in ensuring their safety."

The Detroit Free Press first reported the news and has details of the accident. Good to hear everyone is OK because this could have been really bad. 

Keith Nichol heads to D.C. looking to prove himself — again

When it gets into the seventh round (and maybe even the sixth round) of the NFL Draft, there comes a point where players are better off going undrafted than getting selected.

The reason being that instead of being tied to one team, you get many suitors and can pick the team that best fits your situation. When Blair White went undrafted in 2010, he chose the Indianapolis Colts, and ended up getting decent playing time in his first season.

Todd Anderson (Rams), Garrett Celek (49ers) and Brian Linthicum (Jets) made their decisions right after the draft and signed contracts. Keith Nichol waited. The LSJ reports Nichol had a dozen teams interested in giving him a shot. He settled on the Washington Redskins, joining a familiar face: Kirk Cousins.

MLive first reported the Nichol news, although the LSJ says he hasn't officially signed with Washington yet. (Note: Joe Rexrode clarified that Nichol chose to go to D.C. mini-camp without a contract in order the keep his options open).

Nichol told the LSJ that the special teams opportunities and the lack of a physical receiver made the Skins the most-appealing option. He told MLive he's wants to show he can play any position. He will head to D.C. with Cousins for mini-camp from Friday to Sunday. Nichol will have a better gauge on his chances with the team after the weekend.

Cousins and Nichol have been attached since they started competing for the starting quarterback job at MSU in 2009. The first thing I thought when I saw the signing was, "I guess the Redskins have their Hail Mary package."

People have always tried to insert a wedge between them — trying to paint them as enemies in 2009, then figuring Nichol had to spite Cousins for winning the job and regret his move to wide receiver. That was never the case.

Each with a chip on their shoulder, the pair helped lead MSU to a Big Ten championship in 2010 and a Legends Division title in 2011. Cousins' last touchdown pass at MSU was to Nichol in the Outback Bowl. Now, they'll head to the nation's capital looking once again to prove themselves.

Thoughts on MSU and the 2012 NFL Draft

Over three days (well, actually the last two) six former MSU football players heard their name called at the NFL Draft — the most since seven in 2000. Three more have signed as undrafted free agents. (Here is MSU's all-time draft history).

First, a recap:

• Jerel Worthy - Packers - 2nd round No. 51 overall
• Kirk Cousins - Redskins - 4th round - No. 102 overall 
• Keshawn Martin - Texans - 4th round - No. 121 overall
• Trenton Robinson - 49ers - 6th round - No. 180 overall 
• B.J. Cunningham - Dolphins - 6th round - No. 183 overall
• Edwin Baker - Chargers - 7th round - No. 250 overall

• Todd Anderson - Rams - UFA
• Garrett Celek - 49ers - UFA
• Brian Linthicum - Jets - UFA

Second, a look at the numbers: 

• As mentioned, the six Spartans selected are the most since 2000 (7)
• The six Spartans tied for the most in the Big Ten with Iowa and Wisconsin
• The six Spartans tied for fourth among all schools (behind Alabama, Oklahoma and Georgia)
• MSU is one of eight schools to have a player selected every year since the inception of the common NFL Draft in 1967 (MSU, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and USC)
• The Big Ten's 41 picks were second among conferences (SEC: 42)
• Over the last two years, MSU has had a player at every position group other than OL/TE drafted (counting OL and DL as one position group each). h/t KJ

That last stat is telling about the player development over Mark Dantonio's time at MSU. Also, Joel Foreman may have been drafted had he not retired from football due to injuries. As I wrote last week, MSU is one of the top teams in terms of NFL draft picks compared to recruiting class rankings. MSU should improve on that list with all the picks from this year. 

Again, MSU isn't trying to beat Michigan, Ohio State and Notre Dame on the recruiting path every year, because it can't. Dantonio has molded his program after Wisconsin and Iowa, focusing on recruiting the right players and developing them. And whaddya know? Those three schools led the Big Ten in draft picks this year. 

Five of the six Spartans drafted weren't highly recruited. Worthy, Cousins, Martin and Cunningham were given three stars by Rivals. Trenton Robinson was given two. Only Edwin Baker was highly recruited, given four stars. 

Yes, Alabama dominated with the most players because it gets the best recruits and it wins the most. But 14 of the 32 first-round picks were given three stars or fewer out of high school. You can win games without the best players. I don't want to turn this into another recruiting argument. I've made this point before, and now I'm relating it to the NFL Draft.

Now, let's turn to the players.

Jerel Worthy had a rough birthday on Thursday, watching the first round come and go without his name being called. On Friday, he tweeted that somebody had to pay and that it was adding motivation. He didn't have to wait too long on Friday, being picked by the Packers in the second round. The Packers use a 3-4 defense, so Worthy actually would fit better as a defensive end. The Milwaukee Journal says Worthy could be used in nickel situations, which is ironic, because Worthy was often taken out at defensive tackle in passing situations at MSU. Regardless, I don't question Worthy's work ethic as much as his stamina. He'll get a chance to start for Green Bay.

Kirk Cousins' selection by the Redskins was the most-talked about pick on the final day. Having already traded the kitchen sink to move up and draft Baylor's Robert Griffin III, selecting another quarterback was quite shocking. It was the first time since 1989 a team drafted two quarterbacks in the first four rounds. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan coached the South team in the Senior Bowl, where Cousins impressed on the North team. 

Cousins would have seemed a prefect fit behind a veteran, learning for a few years before possibly getting a shot to start. Now, Cousins will likely compete with Rex Grossman for the backup spot behind Griffin, who will get every chance to succeed in Washington. It's definitely an uphill climb for Cousins. ESPN's Chris Mortensen compared the situation to Atlanta a few years ago, when the Falcons drafted Matt Schaub in the third round despite having the young, athletic Michael Vick. The idea being that Griffin will take a lot of hits, so Cousins would be a solid and groomed backup should Griffin ever go down.

I think Cousins is the newest Avenger.

While ESPN tried to stir up a quarterback controversy, I don't see it. Mel Kiper said the selection of Cousins puts pressure on Griffin to succeed right away. I respectfully disagree. Griffin will be given every opportunity possible. He likely will go through some growing pains, but the Redskins will stick with him. While Cousins' personality is sure to draw a lot of fans and praise, Griffin was actually more beloved for his personality. He'll have plenty of support. All in all, a tough situation for Cousins, but I expect he'll work hard and study hard as a backup and draw the attention of other teams and could get a shot somewhere else, similar to what Brian Hoyer is doing in New England.

As for the other picks, Keshawn Martin can be a Percy Harvin-like player, used to stretch the field in all directions and could get early playing time in the return game. Trenton Robinson drew a lot of praise during the draft process for his effort. He could play cornerback or safety, and he isn't afraid to get his nose dirty, despite his smaller size. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Robinson's draft day.

B.J. Cunningham in the sixth round seemed like a steal to me. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a solid NFL career as a slot receiver. He doesn't have elite speed to stretch the field vertically, but his hands are superb and he has good strength.

(More MSU player highlights videos from @Pietrang5 here)

When Edwin Baker declared early for the draft, it was a surprise, and it wasn't. He had lost his starting spot to Le'Veon Bell, so how much higher could his stock go? I didn't think he had a chance of getting drafted, but I was wrong. I know he was drafted a few picks away from Mr. Irrelevant, but he still was drafted. Charles Robinson thinks Baker could have helped his stock by staying in school because he would have gotten more carries in an offense that will likely run the ball a lot more, but I guess that's up for debate. 

Todd Anderson, Garrett Celek and Brian Linthicum were all signed as undrafted free agents. Linthicum was a guy who could have been drafted and likely had a lot of teams looking to sign him. He has a good chance to last in the league because of his versatility. Anderson is a beast in the weight room, so he'll have a chance as a fullback.

There is one notable Spartan missing: Keith Nichol. The quarterback-turned-receiver was getting looks at other positions from scouts, but doesn't appear to have signed anywhere. My guess is that he still will have some workouts with teams for another chance. 

It was one of the most-successful drafts in MSU history, and it won't be the last time MSU has a big weekend. MSU continues to bring in talent — some hyped, some not — and develop it. Johnny Adams (three stars) will be one of the top defensive back prospects next year. If Will Gholston (five stars) has the year some are expecting, he could leave MSU early and be a first-round pick. Isaiah Lewis and Max Bullough appear on the road to the NFL whenever they leave. MSU has plenty of other guys that could develop into that position down the road.

This weekend was another step forward in the advancement of Dantonio's program. He stabilized the program on the field, and now his players are reaping the rewards. 

Thoughts on MSU's Spring Game

(Box score here)

I think MSU's defense will be pretty good this fall.

At one point in Saturday's Spring Game, I wondered if MSU would end in a 0-0 tie like Pitt did a few weeks back. MSU's defense (even split into two teams) is so good, and redshirt freshman quarterback Connor Cook looked completely helpless. But the offenses found a little bit of a rhythm and the White ended with a 14-2 win.

The story of the day was William Gholston. The rising junior is expected to have a big year (which could be his last at MSU) and that was shown Saturday. Gholston consistently busted through the White team's offensive line, catching Andre Sims Jr. on a reverse on one play. He tackled Hill for a safety for the game's first score. He had a pass breakup and even tackled Sparty on a play.



Note how Gholston is as big as Sparty. That's a big man. Gholston was later overhead on Mark Dantonio's mic asking if he'd get in trouble for doing that, although the players obviously didn't try too hard.

One of the plays Gholston didn't make, however, resulted in a 32-yard touchdown run by Nick Hill at the end of the third quarter. Gholston stayed down on the field after the play. He walked off under his own power, but did not return. BTN's Lisa Byington said Gholston suffered a right knee bruise and that they MSU staff wasn't very concerned.

The most important thing in a Spring Game is staying healthy, and MSU had some guys get banged up. Larry Caper has just one carry before leaving the game. The Spartan Sports Network said Caper had a slight concussion. Le'Veon Bell had just four carries for six yards. Nick Hill got banged up at one point but did return. MSU was running out of running backs, so Jeremy Langford moved back to the backfield and had six carries. Defensive end-turned-tight end Denzel Drone left the game with a left leg injury and was on crutches later in the day.

As for the game, it went about as expected, with Cook struggling early before finding some success against both of MSU's stout defenses. Cook finished a combined 20-for-45 for 294 yards, one touchdown and one interception playing for both teams. He was under constant pressure and missed some easier throws, but he'll get better. He's been in the program for less than one year and likely won't start for a few more years. Dantonio said after the game that Cook "grew enormously."



The wide receivers struggled a bit, also as expected. The most-experienced guys, Bennie Fowler and Tony Lippett were expected to miss the game, although Fowler was out there a little bit. He's coming back from foot surgery. Early-enrollee Kyle Kerrick was noticeable out there. He had an early drop but ran some good routes and made a few plays, finishing with two catches for 23 yards. Sims Jr. had three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Dion Sims actually had the most catches, with four for 73 yards. The receivers have work to do, but that was expected.

The catch of the day actually came from Johnny Adams, who made a nice adjustment on a 45-yard grab. Perhaps the top cornerback in the Big Ten, Dantonio said MSU might give Adams a few chances on offense in the fall. A poor man's Charles Woodson? The number of chances Adams gets might depend on how much the young receivers improve.

The Green team had four of five offensive line starters, but rushed for -10 yards and gave up three sacks. That should be a little worrisome, but MSU's defensive line is going to overwhelm a lot of teams this season. Joel Heath got a lot of hype from the coaches, and he had a solid game. He'll be valuable in the rotation on the ends come fall. Hill played on both teams, finishing with 95 yards and the one touchdown on 19 carries.

Special teams was a bit of an issue. Mike Sadler punted well, but MSU had some problems with snaps and Dan Conroy missed both field goal attempts, including a short 27-yarder.

The forecast for the game showed temperatures in the 40s with a good chance of rain, but the rain held off and MSU estimated 21,000 fans showed up, which was decent given the forecast.

Now we have to wait four more months for some real college football (sadface). It was a pretty uneventful spring for MSU, other than Andrew Maxwell's knee injury. But coming off back-to-back 11-win seasons with one of the top defenses in the country, MSU is settling in as one of the top programs in the Big Ten and success is becoming the norm.
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Also, this was pretty cool. From the MSUAA YouTube page, Mark Dantonio talks with MSU's oldest living alumnus, who is 105 years old.

Video: Sparty takes handoff in Spring Game

This was quite funny. Also, note how Gholston is just as tall as Sparty.

Random MSU Photo of the Day: 4/27

(A reminder: Photo of the Day will now be a M/W/F thing)

The MAC bleachers at the 1915 football game between MAC and Michigan in Ann Arbor. MAC won the game 24-0.

via MSU Archives

MSU football one of top programs in player development

As I've written before, recruiting in college football is extremely important, but it's not everything. In his time as MSU, Mark Dantonio has shown the ability to develop players and max out their potential. That's why it wasn't a surprise to see MSU as the No. 17 team in the country in terms of the relationship between recruiting class ranking and NFL draftees, according to College Football Matrix.

Theoretically, a team that brings in the most talent should send the most players to the NFL, which was pretty much true. According to the site, "of the top 25 (schools) of producing NFL draft picks from 2005-2011, all but 4 were in the top 25 for recruiting."

So if you scored a 0, you were right on track. But what about the overachievers and underachievers?

According to the site, MSU had 17 players drafted from 2005-11, which ranks 36th in the country. That is compared to a composite recruiting ranking of No. 45 from 2002-08. While only two of Dantonio's recruiting classes are included in this data, he has been the coach for four of the outgoing classes. MSU has had seven players drafted under Dantonio and will add a few more in this year's draft. Former coach John L. Smith had 10 players drafted in his three years that were in this data.

MSU's difference of +9 is third in the Big Ten. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Wisconsin (fifth in the nation) and Iowa (seventh) were atop the Big Ten. Those are two programs that have become synonymous with success on the field without highly-rated recruiting classes. Dantonio has said that he has tried to model his program after those two schools. MSU isn't going to be a school that brings in top-five classes and wins on talent, like Michigan and Ohio State. MSU's focus has been on bringing in players that fit the program and can be developed. Team and individual successes have followed.

Dantonio developed some of Smith's players. Now with a program full of his own players, MSU is starting to send more players into the NFL. Dantonio was rated by College Football Matrix as the No. 6 coach in terms of doing more with less.

Here are the rankings for the Big Ten in the College Football Matrix table:

1. Wisconsin +30

2. Iowa +27

3. MSU +9

4. Indiana +9

5. Nebraska +7

6. Ohio State +6

7. Purdue +4

8. Northwestern +2

9. Penn State 0

10. Minnesota -10

11. Michigan -12

12. Illinois -12

In a related story, 14 of the 32 first-round picks Thursday night were rated three stars or fewer by Rivals out of high school. Player development matters.

MSU Athletics 2011-12 Highlight Video

First off, a note: The Random Photo of the Day will be moved to three days a week (M/W/F) because I'm running out of good things to find. Also, with not much going on in college sports right now, the blog is loading up solely on those photos, so I'm going to slow it down a bit.

Here is a cool 2011-12 highlight video covering most MSU sports. It was made by @Pietrang5 (on Twitter), who has made a lot of good MSU videos on YouTube, if you want to check out his channel.