Class of 2010 Playing Major Role

One thing that is becoming clear as the season progresses is that MSU's 2010 recruiting class is really good.  Several members of that class have become starters or are at least making important contributions.  That's impressive when you consider that these guys are only in their second year in the program.  Here's a look at the major contributors from that class.

- William Gholston.  He was the Spartans' highest rated recruit in 2010 and in the entire Big Ten (according to most recruiting services).  This year he became a starter at defensive end for the Spartans and in his game against Ohio State he started to show that he will be a dominant player.

- Max Bullough.  He was the Spartans' second highest rated recruit in 2010, and he has become the starter at MIKE linebacker.  He is playing spectacularly and has become one of the leaders of the defense.  

- Skyler Burkland.  He won the starting job at right tackle before breaking his ankle against Notre Dame.  He's out for the season, but looked good while he was in there.

- Isaiah Lewis.  He has become the starter at strong safety and played well for the most part.  He has made some big mistakes, but that's to be expected of young safeties.

- Mike Sadler.  He has become the starting punter for the Spartans and did a masterful job against Ohio State.

- Nick Hill.  He has shown such explosiveness as a running back that Mark Dantonio has been looking for ways to get him on the field.  The Spartans are too deep at running back for Hill to get many carries, but he has become the starting kickoff returner, where he has indeed shown some explosiveness.

- Travis Jackson.  He won the job as starting center in camp, but suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the first 3 games.  He was back for the OSU game and he looked good to me.

- Marcus Rush.  He has become a starter at defensive end and he performed well enough during the OSU game to be named Big Ten fresman of the week.

- Tony Lippett.  He is not a starting corner, yet, but he has shown such explosiveness that the coaches are playing him on both sides of the ball, using him as a corner and receiver.  He made some great plays against OSU, on both sides of the ball.

- Leveon Bell.  He became a major contributor at running back as a freshmen, and he looks considerably better this year.  He is supposed to be the second running back behind Edwin Baker, but in reality he is a co-starter.

- Darqueze Dennard.  He has become a starting cornerback for MSU and he is making many excellent plays.

-Anthony Rashad White.  He has become a co-starter at defensive tackle and he is flashing some great potential.

In short, the 2010 class is turning out to be a great one, perhaps the best in decades.  It makes you excited about what the 2011 class may contribute by next year, considering that the 2011 class includes some highly regarded players such as:  Fou Fonoti (who is already contributing), Lawrence Thomas (the highest rated player in the state of Michigan), Donovan Clark (four-stars), and Joel Heath (four stars).  The future looks incredibly bright for the Spartans.