Fitzgerald reveals key player roles and program-building progress, hinting at exciting competition during the upcoming spring showcase.
Pat Fitzgerald took the podium Tuesday morning to discuss players, coaches, the upcoming spring showcase, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from Fitzgerald’s media session.
Fitzgerald opened with a simple but energized tone:
“Excited for Saturday.” “Look forward to opening up practice.” “Had a lightning warning to start and did four periods inside, but then got a chance to go back outside.” “It’s been a very productive four weeks and a big one on Saturday.”
From there, questions quickly shifted toward the day’s practice and overall spring progress.
Practice and Scrimmage Approach
Fitzgerald described the structure of the day’s work:
“It’ll be a controlled scrimmage. Good one-on-ones and two-on-twos.” “We were turnover-free but got lucky on a few.” “Our goal is to get around 75 ‘move-the-ball’ plays, excluding kick plays. With our depth, that should be a good number. With our health, it won’t be a full game—that’s why we call it a showcase.”
The emphasis remains on evaluation and controlled competition rather than a full-speed game environment.
Evaluating the Depth Chart
When asked how long it takes to identify starters and contributors, Fitzgerald kept it straightforward:
“Ones and twos is how we identify who’s on the field.”
He also emphasized how fluid the evaluation process remains:
“It’s fluid. One day one guy has a bump and a bruise, and a guy who was going to be a three moves up.”
Still, a few key roles appear to be taking shape:
“Alessio is our starting quarterback. Reese will be our starting punter. Jordan will be our Mike.”
Standout Performers This Spring
Fitzgerald pointed to several players who have made strong impressions, particularly among newer contributors:
“Starting up front—Trent Fraley. The center position is so critically important.” “I mentioned Kayd Coffman before.” “Marvin Perrish has done a really good job at running back.” “Dion Crawford has been outstanding—been really, really good.” “The entire backend has been a very good group.”
While he avoided singling out too many individuals, the overall tone suggested growing confidence in both depth and development.
Building Chemistry and Identity
Beyond individual performances, Fitzgerald stressed that the biggest area of growth has been team cohesion:
“I think we know each other a lot better. I’m not trying to make light of it, but the goal was to come together and learn each other.” “I think our coaching staff has done a great job at that.” “I can just see us coming together as a program—as a family.”
That sense of connection appears to be a major focus during this spring period.
A Different Kind of Spring Evaluation
With roster turnover and new faces, Fitzgerald acknowledged this spring has required more evaluation than usual:
“It’s every interaction in the building—the way we meet, the way we lift, the way we handle special teams.” “It’s been awesome. It’s been great.” “I haven’t felt a dip, which is something that normally happens in spring ball.”
He even added a bit of humor to describe the grind:
“You’ve seen that Cheez-It commercial where the coach says, ‘this has been a grind.’ We knew these five weeks were going to be a grind. We have a little cheese in us.”
Max Bullough’s Return
Another notable development is the return of Max Bullough—this time on the coaching staff.
Fitzgerald spoke highly of the fit:
“It fits his career plan—his one-, three-, five-year plan.” “He’s stepped right in like the players.” “He’s exactly what you’re looking for as a Spartan. He attacks everything.” “The linebackers are being coached by one of the best of the best.”
Growth at Quarterback
Fitzgerald also addressed the development of starting quarterback Alessio Milivojevic:
“I think like all of our quarterbacks, there’s so much on their plate.” “They’re getting a PhD on how Nick wants them to run and manage the offense.” “It’s a PhD-level course, and urgency is being pushed hard.” “There’s been ugly, there’s been terrific—but I think he’s done a great job.” “He’s learning a ton and operating at a quicker pace.”
Looking Ahead to Saturday
When asked about standout performers from last Saturday’s scrimmage, Fitzgerald kept things close to the vest:
“Individually, I’m not ready to single anyone out yet.”
That approach reinforces the ongoing evaluation process as the team heads toward its spring finale.
Fitzgerald and the Michigan State Spartans football will take center stage this Saturday at Spartan Stadium for the Spring Showcase. With free entry, it’s an opportunity for fans to get an early look at a team still very much in the process of defining itself—but clearly trending in the right direction.