Jayden Savoury Second in the Big Ten in Receiving Yards

There’s a new boss in the Michigan State receiving corps, and it’s tight end Jayden Savoury.

Savoury showed Spartans fans why all the offseason buzz surrounding him was no joke in Week 1, leading the tight end room with three receptions for 36 yards. Then, in Week 2, he doubled down with an even bigger performance.

Against Eastern Michigan, Savoury finished second on the team in receiving yards and once again led the tight end room. After two games, it’s safe to say Savoury has established himself as Michigan State’s starting tight end, and he looks ready to break out as one of quarterback Alessio Milivojevic’s top targets.

Savoury finished the game with a team-high four receptions, turning those catches into 63 receiving yards. Only Charles Taplin, with 65 yards, had more for the Spartans.

Three of Savoury’s receptions were shorter gains, which was consistent with the way Michigan State approached the passing game. With the Spartans establishing the run and building a sizable second-half lead, the offense played more conservatively through the air.

But one of Savoury’s catches was anything but short.

The sophomore tight end caught a beautiful pass while sprinting across the entire field before turning upfield for a 46-yard gain. It was a huge play, and it’s quickly becoming one of Michigan State’s favorite ways to get Savoury involved.

In fact, Savoury caught the exact same pass on the exact same play in the season opener against Toledo, although that reception went for fewer yards. This time, he had plenty of room to run, and he took full advantage.

The impressive cross-field reception moved Michigan State deep into the red zone, although the Spartans ultimately came away empty-handed after Cam Edwards fumbled on the drive. Still, it was another magnificent catch-and-run from a young tight end who continues to make his presence felt.

Through two games, Savoury now ranks second in the Big Ten in receiving yards among tight ends with 99 yards. Only USC’s Mark Bowman, with 128 yards, has more.

Savoury also ranks 17th nationally in receiving yards, putting him firmly on the radar as a player opposing defenses will have to account for.

The amount of trust offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan has placed in Savoury is also telling. Only one other Michigan State tight end, Kai Rios, recorded a reception against Eastern Michigan.

Milivojevic appears to have found his security blanket, and that player is quickly becoming Savoury.

The sophomore is a tall, athletic and fast tight end who has won over a room filled with veteran players. His receiving ability is getting highlighted on a weekly basis, and that could be a major development for Michigan State’s passing offense as the season c