Javon Ringer is ready. And he's excited about what he expects to be an added responsibility. When Cal kicks off Saturday night, Ringer plans to be on the receiving end.
"Definitely," he said tonight. "So far I am the No. 1 starter."
The depth chart has A.J. Jimmerson and Kendell Davis-Clark at kick returner. Mark Dantonio said today that Ringer is a possibility but that it will be a "game-time decision."
So maybe MSU will end up looking elsewhere, but I doubt it for Saturday. The chance to swing a game with your best player -- after watching Devin Thomas do it over and over again a year ago -- is too valuable to pass up when MSU will need everything at its disposal to beat Cal.
As the year progresses, I could see MSU switching up and giving Ringer a break. He's going to get an awful lot of work this season. But he's fresh and itching to go right now.
He was asked tonight about Cal's speed, and if he'd like to see some rain to slow down the field.
"No, I want them at their best," he said. "I want us at our best. No excuses for this game."
worked out well for jason seahorn :|
seriously though, this doesn't seem to be an awful idea, and i don't see him getting all the kicks. im thinking more along the lines of a Darrel Green from the redskins of the 80s role
Posted by: Stone | August 26, 2008 at 08:58 PM
be careful what you ask for!!!
Posted by: Spartan in St Augustine | August 26, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Ringer: I LOVE THE ATTITUDE!!! That is a true competitor, a true sportsman. Way to go.
Posted by: JLuke | August 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
i love it!!! nothing else to say, cant wait to see cal with the "deer in the headlights" look when javon is heading there way, and then letting them read his name as swanson gets ready for the extra point try!!!
Posted by: jeffrey | August 26, 2008 at 11:54 PM
As much as I'm going to hate to see Ringer go after his senior season, I'm ecstatic over the fact we have two big, fast recruits coming.
If MSU has a great season, I think Dantonio will have the program ready to "reload" every year instead of "rebuilding" every year.
Posted by: Spartan Legend | August 27, 2008 at 09:48 AM
The anticipation of this game has finally come around. I have a few worries, most noticeably giving up the big play's on defense which we have been so susceptible to over the years. But in these types of football games where you have two well coached teams, it always comes down to two important factors:
Turnovers and Penalties.
Whoever commits the least amount will win this game. It always is the common denominator in football. Hoyer will make plays, Ringer will make plays, Best will make plays, and Riley will make plays. Whoever plays the more sound game will come out on top, since these teams seem to be pretty evenly matched up talent wise.
I feel we are over prepared and the Spartans are pretty sick of hitting each other and ready to hit somebody else. We played in enough big games last year in hostile environments (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Notre Dame) that playing in Berkeley shouldn't be overwhelming by any means. Their stadium isn't even that big compared to the majority of college football teams. Solid defense, limited turnovers and penalties is the formula for success, lets shock them in Cal!
Posted by: Corey | August 27, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Anybody know exactly what the issue is with Jenrette and if it's likely he comes back?
Posted by: Rod | August 27, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I LIVE SUBURBS OF ATL GA. YOU WILL NOT SEE MSU ON ABC. HOWEVER,WE DO HAVE ESPN GAME PLAN & WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE MSU/CAL ON 790 ON DIRECT TV
Posted by: foxie | August 27, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Worked out well for Reggie Bush.
You have to take this kind of risks to be successful. Devin Thomas returning kicks was a huge advantage for the Spartans last year. We didn't cry foul, but that's because most weren't sure what he'd deliver. A few long kicks and we were all for it.
For every Jason Seahorn, there are two, three more who are wildly successful.
Posted by: CF | August 27, 2008 at 11:03 AM
How would anyone know Jenrette's situation if the reporters from Green and White don't even know the situation? We are all still in the unknown about it, and that is the way Dantonio keeps it for the program. If Rexrode doesn't know, nobody else knows because he is our direct link to the program. And anyone who says they have "inside information", is full of it, cause there is no such thing.
Posted by: Corey | August 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Guys, I don't know anything for sure, but I know Jenrette is still around and he must earn his way back in some way. I don't believe this is academics-related. It's not criminal. I would expect him to rejoin the team some time this season.
Posted by: Joe Rexrode | August 27, 2008 at 12:24 PM