Brian Lewerke

Although Lewerke wasn't guaranteed the starting spot heading into spring practice, he was pegged as "the guy" by coach Mark Dantonio following Michigan State's spring game. He took over the starting gig from senior Tyler O'Connor midway through 2016 and completed 31-of-57 passes for 381 yards and two scores before a leg injury forced him out the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, Lewerke will inherit a rather bare cupboard in terms of his receiving options heading into his first full season as the starter. Three of Michigan State's top four pass catchers last season were seniors and the only one who wasn't -- freshman Donnie Corley -- have since been dismissed from the program. There figures to be something of a learning curve for Lewerke as he gets acclimated to his new group of receivers, but there is some promise in Felton Davis, who hauled in 12 of 15 targets for 150 yards last season. Running back LJ Scott also returns for his junior campaign, taking some of the pressure off of Lewerke's shoulders. In all, Lewerke is a talented quarterback, but team context suggests that he's likely a year away from being a fantasy relevant signal caller.