LJ Scott

Scott was one of two stellar freshman running backs that helped the Spartans make the College Football playoff last season. As the thunder to Madre London’s lightning, the 6-0, 233-pound Scott bulldozed his way to a team-leading 699 yards on 147 carries (4.8 YPC) while reaching paydirt 11 times.That said, it’s worth noting that when 147 carries is good for the team lead on a Big 10 team, it’s safe to say that said team leans on a committee approach at the running back position. London isn’t going anywhere and rising junior Gerald Holmes serves as a nice change of pace/pass catching back out of the backfield, so while Scott may have the most talent of the three, he’s unlikely to be a true bell cow. One factor working in Scott and the rest of the run game’s favor is the fact that the Spartans will be breaking in a new quarterback for the first time since 2013. Regardless of whether it’s Tyler O’Connor, Damion Terry, or early enrollee Messiah deWeaver under center, Michigan State will likely lean on the run game plenty in 2016. Scott’s lack of pass-catching ability will hurt his value in PPR formats, but he should be the Spartans’ top option in red zone and goal line situations.