In a program full of questions, perhaps the biggest for Michigan State football is who will start at quarterback in 2020.
Brian Lewerke is gone, and the remaining trio of Rocky Lombardi, Theo Day and Payton Thorne, plus incoming freshman Noah King, doesn't inspire much confidence. The solution for the Spartans might lie on the transfer market.
A quarterback they know well is now available.
Clemson's Chase Brice
entered the transfer portal on Thursday. The QB who backed up Trevor Lawrence the past two years has two seasons of eligibility remaining, and he'll be immediately eligible as a grad transfer in 2020.
Michigan State pushed hard for Brice as a three-star recruit in 2017. He was the 17th-ranked pro-style QB in the country, per
247 Sports, and the Spartans were in on him until the finish.
Offensive coordinator Brad Salem and quarterbacks coach Dave Warner led the recruitment, according to 247 Sports, so it figures they could get the ball rolling again. The question is whether Brice, who still has
NFL aspirations, would want to step into an offense that seems to lack direction and playmakers.
Brice saw mop-up action in 11 games this season, completing 50 of 85 passes for 581 yards, four touchdowns and a pick. He added 94 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He's best known for stepping in for the injured Lawrence in the second half last season against Syracuse and keeping Clemson's undefeated season alive.
Lawrence gave him a shoutout Thursday night.
Sad to see one of my best friends leave, but more excited to see how his journey ends up!! Love you dude https://t.co/nasfW2HI1c
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee)
January 17, 2020 Over 23 career games at Clemson, Brice completed 60.3 percent of his passes and threw nine touchdowns to four picks.
