Drew Stanton ain’t no alfalfa sprout-eating pansy, MSU from A-Z
There isn’t a pundit or MSU fan who doesn’t immediately follow their MSU’s preseason prediction with something along the lines of, “as long as Drew Stanton stays healthy.” There’s no doubt that the junior QB’s athletic ability will be a major factor this season but as MLive.com’s Steve Grinczel points out, Stanton’s leadership may be even more important. He is the leader that MSU desperately needs.
Given the fact that Drew Stanton entered preseason camp as the team’s first undisputed No. 1 quarterback since Jeff Smoker in 2002, its leading returning rusher and undeniable leader, one can understand the offensive optimism being exuded by MSU.
By agreeing to play, and then excelling, on special teams in 2003, Stanton earned the respect of new head coach John L. Smith and his staff. By following his blockers and lowering his shoulder on tacklers last season, he was accepted by the offensive linemen. And by throwing his body around like a linebacker, he’s got the defense’s admiration.
This ain’t some alfalfa sprout-eating pansy, and the Spartans believe they can win with this guy.
In this A-Z list from Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal on why MSU fans should be optimistic about 2005, Rexrode even chooses Drew Stanton as his first reason for optimism. Several other Spartans are featured in the list including Kellen Davis, Jaren Hayes, Chris Morris, John “L is for Llewelyn” Smith, and even his wife Diana Smith.
With fall camp over and the 2005 season less than a week away, Michigan State’s football program is due for an A-to-Z assessment:
A - Accuracy. Awareness. For those who are apprehensive about quarterback Drew Stanton’s health, he has advanced as a passer to the point of an altered role.
“It’s the comfort in the package: ‘This is my read, it’s covered. Here’s my No. 2 and I go to it,’ ” MSU offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin said of his junior quarterback. “Last year it was, ‘Here’s my read, I’m gone.’ And that wasn’t bad, but we want to take that out of him and let the running backs do that now.”
That’s the best news for MSU as it prepares for what should be an intriguing - if not altogether auspicious - 2005 season.