INDIANAPOLIS: Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State Spartans head into the season with day two of the 2024 Big Ten Media Days.
Jonathan Smith, Junior running back Nathan Carter, cornerback Dillon Tatum, and tight end Jack Velling are in attendance for Michigan State’s media availability.
Smith started the day being very adamant and excited to take on this challenge, also living up to the pressure of the Michigan State helm.
“It’s always exciting, an exciting day to kick off and get started on a new adventure that my family and I are ready for,” Smith said.
After Michigan State’s 4-8 overall record last year, Athletic Director Alan Haller knew a change needed to be made. Jonathan Smith was hired as the head coach November 25 and the optimism in East Lansing could not be higher.
Smith has very high hopes for his veterans. Nathan Carter is a player who caught his eye immediately, and when he looks for a leader Carter always takes over that role.
Carter showed out during the Spartans spring game this year.
“Carter has been awesome for us, on and off the field. Coming off of getting married, he has had the best off-season of his life,” Smith said.
The 2024 Spartans schedule has a stretch against tough teams in the Big Ten seeing Ohio State, Oregon, Iowa, and Michigan from weeks five to eight. However, with Smith coaching in one of the toughest conferences, tough schedules are normal for him.
Moving from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, his responsibility has increased but his mantra has stayed the same.
“I have worked with the low ego, high output mantra for all of my players, and at Michigan State it is the same,” Smith said.
Michigan State’s defense has changed significantly with the addition of their new head coach. Star junior Dillon Tatum had the largest transition period finding his way in the secondary.
Tatum has played safety, nickel, and cornerback but finally solidified his role as a safety. His biggest goal is to build new relationships with the new guys on the roster and become a leader in Smith’s new defensive schemes.
The Spartans look to find the balance of being ultra-competitive and having a lot of patience for the growth of the team and its culture.
“You’re always building your start somewhere, you’re going to create your foundation and build off that with a constant state of improvement,” Smith said.
As Michigan State looks to rely more on the run game this season, Nathan Carter is going to spearhead their success.
In the 2023 season, Carter recorded a career-high in rushing yards with 798, also getting 185 carries and four touchdowns.
Carter looks to have another breakout season under Smith’s coaching, challenging himself in practice with his teammates.
“I think it’s healthy in a way that we are pushing each other. We want to see each other grow.” Carter said.
The Big Ten Media Days spark a new era for the conference, with new coaches and new teams to compete in the new 12-team playoff next season. Michigan State looks to take on the Big Ten with a new culture and a lot of improvement.
The Spartans kick off their season at Spartan Stadium against Florida Atlantic on August 30 at 7 p.m.
