Michigan State’s wide receiver room is still taking shape under a new staff, but one familiar face remains in the middle of it all. Courtney Hawkins is back for a third straight coaching regime in East Lansing, and on Wednesday he laid out where the Spartans’ receivers stand as Pat Fitzgerald gets set for his first season leading the program.
Hawkins said the group is still sorting itself out, but there’s no shortage of players pushing for roles.
“Guys are eager to prove themselves. I think it will be more of a collective deal. This is their opportunity to introduce themselves to the world.”
He also made it clear that the depth chart isn’t locked in yet, and that the rotation could be wider than usual once the games start.
“At this point we haven’t narrowed it down to a depth chart standpoint, but you could see 7 or 8 guys, just depending on the game and situation.”
For Hawkins, the focus has been on the basics - especially route running. That work has paid off for one receiver in particular, who has shown a sharper understanding of what it takes to play the position at this level.
“We have focused on technical route running, fundamental route running. I felt like he came here and did some things well, but he figured out he can’t just be an athlete playing receiver. He’s done a tremendous job.”
Hawkins also praised Rod for the way he handled everything around him without letting it show in the day-to-day grind.
“Rod is a tremendous human being. Through this whole process, he never wavered. He came in here every single day and you would’ve never known what kind of cloud was over his head.”
There’s been a clear emphasis on effort in the room, especially when it comes to the run game. Hawkins said he has a group that buys into the physical side of the position.
“Blocking is 95% want to, and I feel like I have a lot of doers in my room. We stand on no block, no rock.”
And one of the players drawing attention in camp has been described as a fast, improving option who has added size since arriving.
“One of the faster guys on the team. He’s flashed during fall camp and gained some weight since he got here. I think he’s ready to contribute and we’ll see what that looks like in the coming weeks.”
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