Jayden Savoury Continues to be Most Reliable Target for Michigan State

Michigan State redshirt freshman tight end Jayden Savoury continues to put on a clinic.

Through the first six games of the season, Savoury has emerged as one of the Spartans' most consistent receivers, ranking among the Big Ten's productive tight ends with 228 receiving yards.

Savoury sits just 10 yards behind Wisconsin's Jacob Harris, who has 238 receiving yards, according to the rankings provided.

Savoury has been one of the most consistent receivers for the Spartans this season, and doing it at such a young age shows the tremendous potential he possesses.

Leading the team in receptions in four of the first six games, Savoury has become a constant for quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. Savoury's ability to create separation in the passing game allows Milivojevic to look at him not only as a safety blanket when other receivers cannot get open, but also as a first-read target because of his athleticism once he catches the ball.

Savoury explodes once the ball is in his hands and uses his long strides to outrun defenders. He also brings impressive contested-catch ability. Even when a catch is ruled incomplete, Savoury continues to show his ability to go up and high-point the ball at an impressive level for such a young player.

In the Spartans' heartbreaking 38-37 overtime loss to Illinois, Savoury finished with a team-high six receptions. That marked the first time a Michigan State player had caught six or more passes in a game since the season opener against Toledo, when two Spartans reached that mark.

Not only did Savoury lead the team in receptions, but he also finished with a team-high 49 receiving yards, adding to his season total.

Savoury has now caught four or more passes in four of the first six games. In a tight end room that includes Brennan Parachek, Carson Gulker and Kai Rios, it is impressive that Savoury has broken through to become one of the team's leading receiving options.

Although Savoury sits 14 yards behind Rodney Bullard Jr. for the team lead in receiving yards — Bullard has 242, while Savoury has 228 — Savoury is still, in my opinion, the best pass catcher on the team.

Savoury is also tied for the team lead in receptions through six games, with 23 catches. Chris McCray has matched that total.

Savoury is still searching for his first touchdown of the year. However, the Spartans have thrown just five touchdown passes through their first six games, so opportunities have been limited.

Savoury will get his chance in the red zone sooner rather than later, and I am sure he will make the most of that opportunity. For now, he is making the most of his opportunities every single week and highlighting just how good he can be.

Milivojevic has no problem throwing in Savoury's direction, regardless of how many defenders are draped over him. Somehow, Savoury continues to come away with the catch.

It was another fascinating performance from the redshirt freshman, and there is only more to come.