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EAST LANSING — Jonathan Smith’s whirlwind start to his new job as isn’t slowing down, 55 days into his tenure. Not even to celebrate his birthday.
Michigan State football’s new coach finalized his 10-man coaching staff Wednesday. Overlapping Smith’s 45th birthday, Thursday’s agenda brought delivering an evening keynote speech to people he wants and needs to get to know better — at the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association’s annual winter meeting.
From there, it’s back out on the highway to the hallways at schools around the Midwest over the weekend and coming weeks. All with an eye on the start of the second high school prospect signing period Feb. 7.
“The reception has been good,” Smith said Thursday afternoon at Spartan Stadium, a few hours before the high school clinic in Lansing. “I think there is an excitement and a buzz about Michigan State right now. And we want to keep that going.”
MONEY TALKS: Examining contracts for Jonathan Smith’s new assistant coaches
Perhaps the biggest buzz of the offseason has been his gradual remaking of the Spartans’ roster. With one of Smith’s former Oregon State players as the centerpiece.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles was one of the 11 transfer players who the school confirmed have enrolled at MSU, along with two other former Beavers in offensive lineman Tanner Miller and tight end Jack Velling. Smith also brought along six assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, and strength coach Mike McDonald from Corvallis to fill out his initial staff with the Spartans.
“Aidan, in particular, I think he’s got the investment of a year of reps and experience in an offense that’s going to be very, very similar over here. I think that was a huge part for him,” Smith said. “I do think what this place offers — the passionate fan…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-footballs-jonathan-smith-111217151.html
Author : Detroit Free Press
Publish date : 2024-01-19 11:12:17
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