Spartans replenish running back stock

EAST LANSING - Six months ago, running back might have been Michigan State's deepest position.

But circumstances shredded much of that depth since. As a result, the Spartans had some shoring up to do with their 2010 recruiting class.

Mission accomplished.

Three running backs - Nick Hill out of Chelsea, Jeremy Langford out of Westland John Glenn and Le'Veon Bell out of Reynoldsburg, Ohio - were part of the 21-player class Mark Dantonio announced Wednesday.

MSU also added fullback Niko Palazeti out of Detroit Catholic Central.

"Ever since I made my commitment in the fall to Michigan State, I heard there had been some problems with some running backs here and there," the 5-foot-6, 182-pound Hill said. "I saw two guys drop down, then I saw two more. And I was like, 'Wow,' because it's such a great place. Why would anyone want to complain about it or leave here? I just figured it'd be a good opportunity for me coming in here."

The Spartans' roster is five running backs lighter than it was in the fall. Gone are Andre Anderson, Ashton Leggett and Caulton Ray (all transfers) and Glenn Winston (dismissed from team). Also, A.J. Jimmerson was a senior whose eligibility expired.

That leaves just sophomores Larry Caper and Edwin Baker as returnees with experience and walk-on sophomore redshirts Andre Buford and Donald Spears as the only other two tailbacks on the roster.

"We have opportunities," MSU coach Mark Dantonio said. "We have young freshmen (Baker and Caper) that did an outstanding job this year. So our young players will have to come and compete with those guys, and I think they'll do a great job at handling that opportunity.

"I don't care who we hand the ball to as long as they hold onto it and move forward. Players want to play, I understand that. That's just the way it is sometimes. So many of our tailbacks, with Javon (Ringer) getting as many opportunities as he did a year before, get impatient."

Dantonio's staff also landed a handful of other players in this class with high school running back experience - including Mylan Hicks and Justin Wilson - who are expected to contribute at other positions.

"All the backs are good, they're all equal ability, but I think (Hill) being a local guy is someone to keep an eye on," said Tom Lemming, a recruiting analyst for Scout.com.

Both Hill and Bell are enrolled in school and began offseason training with strength coach Ken Mannie this week. They'll also be part of spring practices and eligible to play in the spring game, about a half-year removed from their final high school action.

"That is a nice opportunity," said Bell, a 6-2, 221-pound power back. "Basically, there's only four or five running backs on the roster right now. That spot, I can really get a chance to earn some playing time, and that's what I wanted."

STANDING FIRM : In the seven-plus months between William Gholston giving MSU his verbal pledge and Wednesday's signing day, tons of rumors swirled that he'd take visits to other schools or even abandon his commitment.

After all that hubbub and conjecture, the five-star defensive recruit from Detroit Southeastern High still signed on the Green and White's dotted line.

"William made the decision, as did Max (Bullough) last summer. And both these guys continued to be recruited, especially William," said Dantonio, who plans to use Gholston as a linebacker and third-down pass rusher. "He showed a certain amount of maturity by being able to hang in there and stay a Spartan throughout the entire process"

ALREADY HERE: Bell and Hill aren't the only two on campus already preparing for spring practices. Quarterback Joe Boisture from Saline High and linebacker Bullough from Traverse City St. Francis also are enrolled in classes, participating in the team's offseason conditioning program and getting some of the basics of the playbook and film study.

"It's a big learning curve," said Bullough, whose grandfather Hank, father Shane and two uncles played at MSU. "I've started a little bit on my own. Coaches have been out recruiting. I've had a little time with (linebackers coach Mike) Tressel, but now they're back, so we'll have some time set up. And I've been learning it the last couple months with film and whatnot by myself, but it's kind of hard to do it by yourself."

Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell said having players enroll early can be a plus in some ways, especially in adapting to the college environment, but he also said it isn't easy.

"There's so much that they jump into midstream that a lot of times, it takes a whole spring to sort some of it out," Treadwell said. "Like (Dantonio) mentioned, their first winter conditioning was (Tuesday), and that opened up a lot of their eyes. Even the freshmen who were here for six months hadn't gone through a Ken Mannie workout yet.

"There's a lot of challenges. But in the end, nothing can take the place of experience."