Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State received some good news this week when they found out that their 2014-quarterback commitment, Chris Durkin, opened some eyes at the regional Elite 11 Camp in Chicago.
Durkin is the Spartans’ four-star quarterback commit in the class of 2014 and will be a solid addition to a much-improved quarterback staff next season after the Andrew Maxwell era. I say after the Maxwell era because I believe Maxwell is holding this team back.
Sure, the team had many other issues in their mediocre seven-win season in 2012, but Maxwell may have been the biggest disappointment of all.
Maxwell passed for over 2,500 yards, but his lack of touchdowns was a serious issue and his lack of confidence was a far cry from quarterback and captain Kirk Cousins in 2011.
Mark Dantonio has had many solid quarterbacks in his time at MSU since 2007, but Maxwell, unfortunately, will not end up being one of them. His receivers didn’t give the first-year starter much help in 2012, accumulating one of the highest numbers of drops in the Big Ten.
However, it was obvious that Maxwell’s confidence was wavering far before the drops started piling up.
With quarterbacks like redshirt freshman Tyler O’Connor and incoming 2013 commit Damion Terry coming in to help out the lack of positive production and leadership from that position, the 2014 season and beyond along with Durkin should be fun to watch.
Sorry Spartan fans, the offense may be mediocre for another season, but once a running back emerges and Maxwell graduates, the Michigan State offense will be solid.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
