The Drew Stanton media blitz begins
There might not be a player in recent memory at Michigan State that has deserved as much media attention as Drew Stanton will receive this season. He is by far the most popular Spartan player for MSU fans and is seen by most experts as a high first round NFL draft pick. Having said that, there’s only so many ways for the media to write or mention the same story over and over…hey did you know Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci are best friends?
Today we kick off the Stanton season with several stories from this week’s Big Ten media days in Chicago. First up is Joe Rexrode of the Lansing State Journal who talks about Stanton’s preparation this summer.
Since last we saw Drew Stanton, he has fulfilled a rather lengthy summer-time “to-do” list. Got insured by Lloyd’s of London. Graduated from college. Picked up a few tips from Peyton Manning. Became a yoga enthusiast.
The Michigan State senior quarterback also signed himself up as an unpaid MSU assistant - he’ll sit in on the offensive game-planning meetings this season - and devised his own high-tech way to analyze opposing defenses.
“I’m trying to do everything I can,” Stanton said here Wednesday during Big Ten media sessions, “to try and gain an edge for this upcoming season.”
Next up is fellow LSJ reporter Todd Schulz who writes about Stanton’s stats and how they’re meaningless unless MSU does better in the win column this season.
By the time MSU’s senior quarterback is finished, their impact on the school record book should be indelible.
But unless something changes for the Spartans this fall, Stanton’s stats will be . . . what’s the word we’re searching for?
“Insignificant?” Stanton offers with a polite smile.
Thank you. Yes, insignificant would sum up Stanton’s career nicely if all of the dashing, dodging, daring digits he routinely delivers don’t add up to more wins for the Michigan State football team.
And finally, Shannon Shelton of the Detroit Free Press focuses on Stanton’s strategy for success. He’ll be taking less risks and relying more on his teammates this season.
Stanton learned a lesson, one he hopes will lead to better results this season.
“I just felt like I needed to do more” last season, Stanton said Wednesday during round table interviews on the second day of Big Ten media days. “Taking a step back, I realize that I don’t need to. At times, it really hurt us.”