MSU Red Cedar Message Board

Yeah not sure if you can put any single one of the WRs as "most important", and if you were to then i'd put Fowler or Arnett over Lippett because they have more experience.

With so many WRs, a few are bound to step up. I don't really think it matters which ones do.

Fowler may pop up at a later date, but I stand by Lippett's importance based on experience at the position. MSU needs early production from guys like him and while Mumphery, Sims Jr., Arnett, Burbridge and several others are intriguing options, I think the play of the Spartans' top two wideouts entering the year will be really big. The fact that he could play CB if needed makes him even more valuable.

I think it's kind of foolish to think that MSU can survive or thrive on receiver by committee. There will be a depth chart and State needs guys to step up and emerge as the best option at the X, Y, Z, or what have you. You don't want a revolving door at one or more of those spots. The passing game is about rhythm, timing, trust, and communication. You really want Maxwell to have his main crew who he has all year, barring injuries. Just because State has lots of green talent doesn't mean we don't want a 'go to guy' to emerge. Lippet may or may not be that guy, but if State has 5 plus guys getting lots of reps in games this fall that means no true first stringers have separated themselves.

I somewhat disagree, depending on what each WR is used for. You can put a lot of pressure on an opposing secondary by running fresh receivers into the game to run longer routes. I wouldn't be surprised if the top 5 WRs for MSU this year come close to what Cunningham-Martin and Nichol did last year (2435 yards, 20 TDs).

Fair enough. Still don't know if I agree, but I can see your logic.

I know you still have nine more guys to go, but the ten guys I would have listed ahead of Lippett not including Jackson and Lewis are (in no order):

A.R. White- can he command double teams and move the pile at least somewhat like Worthy did?

Dion Sims- can he stay healthy and be the safety valve a rookie QB needs at TE?

Dan France- can he improve on last year and keep Maxwell's blindside clear?

Niko Palezeti- can he replace the battering ram that was Anderson?

Andrew Maxwell- can he manage the game and limit mistakes so the defense and running game can win the game?

Nick Hill- can he carry an increased work load as a backup with Caper's shaky health while being an effective return man?

Fou Fonoti- last year he was thrown to the wolves and held his own. Can he excel as a senior?

Marcus Rush- had a solid year but faded a bit at the end of the regular season. Has he built body enough to be more effective late in the year? His doing that will be needed with all the attention Gholston will get.

Denicos Allen- a great year last year, but a bit one dimensional by his own words. Can he improve his coverage skills to be a more complete linebacker so Narduzzi can more effectively mask his blitz packages?

Derek Hoebing- MSU is an offense built on a lot of two TE sets without two reliable TEs. Can Hoebing step up and fill that role or will we require a true freshman to keep us from a fundamental shift in our offensive scheme?

Just my thoughts.

Exactly. With so many young and fast receivers in the stable I would be running the opposing cornerbacks on a streak route every friggin down till they are puking.