3 things Tom Dienhart will be watching at Michigan State practice

Michigan State is on a roll under Mark Dantonio, winning double-digit games four times in the last five years with two Big Ten titles and wins in the Cotton and Rose Bowls.

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However, those feats often get swallowed up in the hysteria surrounding Jim Harbaugh?s arrival at Michigan and Ohio State?s national championship glow. But, don?t sleep on the Spartans.

This is a very good Michigan State squad that?s capable of winning the Big Ten East. But, a few issues hang over the program.

Here are three things I will be watching at Spartan camp.

1. Running back. Jeremy Langford leaves a big void, getting selected in the fourth round of the NFL draft. There are many options for the staff to consider, including sophomore Gerald Holmes and junior Nick Tompkins. But the guys to watch may be redshirt freshman Madre London and true freshman LJ Scott, one of Mark Dantonio?s most hyped recruits ever. If Scott can pass block, he may be the man.

2. Secondary. Three starters need to be replaced, including first-round pick Trae Waynes. Free safety Kurtis Drummond also is gone from the Spartans? ?No Fly Zone.? Strong safety Montae Nicholson looks like a future star. Demetrious Cox, Darian Hicks and Vayante Copeland will battle at corner. Safety RJ Williamson is a returning starter. The corners? ability to play press-man is key to making the MSU defense work.

3. Wide outs. Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery are off to the NFL. Who is next? Aaron Burbridge, A.J. Troup, Macgarrett Kings, Jr., DeAnthony Arnett, R.J. Shelton and Monty Madaris, among others, must step up. This is an attack with a top line and talented quarterback in Connor Cook. But playmakers must emerge at wideout-along with the aforementioned running back.

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