Analysis of the Michigan State football squad: Continuity in the special teams
This is the third in a three-part series looking at the 2024 Michigan State football roster. Today: special teams.
Going into the 2023 season, there were some doubts about Michigan State’s special forces.
Kickers Jack Stone and Ben Patton were gone. And punter Bryce Baringer and wide receiver/kick returner Jayden Reed moved to the NFL. After the 2022 season and in the spring, questions arose as to who would take their place.
Despite the uncertainty, two players – kicker Jonathan Kim and punter Ryan Eckley – emerged as reliable weapons last season. Kim, a transfer from North Carolina who joined the Spartans last summer, earned the starting kicker position in fall camp and showed a heck of a leg. Eckley split time with another punter early on before establishing himself as Michigan State’s punting powerhouse.
Both Kim and Eckley are expected to return in the fall, giving Jonathan Smith and his co-special teams coordinators Keith Bhonapha and Chad Wilt some clarity and stability in those important but often overlooked roles. Kick and punt returner Tyrell Henry’s decision to transfer to Wisconsin raises some questions in that area that need to be answered before the Aug. 30 season opener against Florida Atlantic.
In the final installment of a three-part series, here’s a look at the state of the Spartans’ special teams:
(The classes listed correspond to the classes in which the players are expected to play in the fall; the inductees’ previous school is shown in parentheses.)
Kickers
▶ Current players: Sixth-grader Kim, redshirt freshman Tarik Ahmetbasic
▶ Important departures in 2023: N/A
▶ The 411: It was clear last fall that Kim would be a special talent for the Spartans. In his debut for Michigan State, he fired a 47-yard field goal attempt through the goal posts. It was his first field goal of his college career. Kim ultimately converted 13 of his 18 field goal attempts and did not miss any of his 17 point-after attempts en route to becoming the Spartans’ leading scorer with 56 points. He made 4 of 7 shots from at least 50 yards. His longest kick came in a loss to Iowa, when he set a Kinnick Stadium record with a successful 58-yard field goal attempt. That kick would be the longest field goal in the Big Ten last season and the second longest in the Football Subdivision in 2023. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, Kim appears to be headed for another strong season as he enters his final year of eligibility in 2024.
More: Michigan State football roster analysis: A look at Jonathan Smith’s revamped offense
More: Michigan State football roster analysis: A look at Joe Rossi’s defensive depth
Gambler
▶ Current players: Redshirt sophomore Eckley, third-year sophomore Carson Voss (Western Michigan), freshman Martin Connington (three-star talent from Meridian, Idaho)
▶ Important departures in 2023: PhD student Michael O’Shaughnessy (transferred to Charlotte)
▶ The 411: Eckley benefited from Baringer’s experience during his 2022 freshman season. He attempted just one punt that year, but that experience with a future pro left a mark on him. At the start of the 2023 season, Eckley shared punting duties with O’Shaughnessy. Eckley became the primary punter after O’Shaughnessy fumbled a snap that was recovered by Rutgers in the end zone for a touchdown – the first domino in the Spartans’ epic 21-point collapse in the game’s final four minutes. Eckley ended up averaging 46.8 yards per punt on 56 attempts, which was the second-best mark in the Big Ten and eighth-best in the FBS. He recorded 23 punts of at least 50 yards – his longest was a 67-yard punt – and he had 23 kicks inside the 20-yard line. His season earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors. He once again appears to be the Spartans’ unquestioned first-choice, but could benefit from the relief that comes with the signing of Voss. Last season for Western Michigan, Voss averaged 39.6 yards on 48 punt attempts.
Long snapper
▶ Current players: Junior Kaden Schickel (James Madison), redshirt senior Sam Edwards
▶ Important departures in 2023: Senior Drew Wilson (entered the transfer portal), Redshirt Junior Hank Pepper (transferred to USC)
▶ The 411: Pepper took advantage of the transfer portal that opened midseason following Mel Tucker’s ignominious departure. Pepper’s departure led Michigan State to turn to Wilson, a junior college transfer, and Edwards, a product of Lansing Catholic. After the season ended, Michigan State acquired junior long snapper Schickel from James Madison through the portal. Schnickel played in all 13 games as the long snapper for the Dukes, recording two tackles and a fumble recovery. Wilson entered the portal in April, making Schickel and Edwards the Spartans’ most likely two options at long snapper this season.
Kick/Punt Return
▶ Current players: Redshirt senior Alante Brown, redshirt senior Montorie Foster Jr.
▶ Important departures in 2023: Henry (transferred to Wisconsin)
▶ The 411: Henry, the Spartans’ all-time leader in kick returns and punt returns last season, is gone after transferring to Wisconsin. His departure could lead to Brown and Foster getting more opportunities on special teams again. Brown transferred from Nebraska to Michigan State in 2023 and seemed capable of having a great season for the Spartans. But Brown was shaken up on the opening kickoff in the first game of the season against Central Michigan. The violent collision led to a scary scene in which Brown was carted to the locker room strapped to a backboard. Brown’s return later in that game caused controversy. He missed the next game with a head injury before returning. Brown split time on offense and special teams. He made three kick returns for 52 yards. Meanwhile, Foster, the team’s top receiver in 2023, had two kick returns for 45 yards.
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