Posted: Sept. 9, 2009
Ex-MSU stars Hoyer, Ringer earn spots in NFL
BY SHANNON SHELTON
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
EAST LANSING -- Fans often had a strained relationship with Brian Hoyer during his two years as the Spartans' starting quarterback.
He was a hero when he passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns to beat Michigan in 2008, but took plenty of heat after a five-turnover performance at the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl that led to a loss against Boston College.
Coach Mark Dantonio, however, never wavered in his support for Hoyer and continually praised his level of leadership and skill. Now that Hoyer has landed on the New England Patriots' 53-man roster as the backup to Tom Brady, Hoyer has earned a measure of vindication.
"All along last year, what I saw in Brian Hoyer was a guy that did things right at the line of scrimmage, made the reads correct down the field, did things right in the huddle getting us to the line of scrimmage and getting us in the right play," Dantonio said Tuesday. "He showed a great amount of mental toughness. It's tough being a quarterback, because they're probably going to take most of the blame or get most of the credit."
Dantonio also noted that former running back Javon Ringer made the Tennessee Titans' roster Saturday, and that two other former MSU players, tight end Kellen Davis (Chicago Bears) and wide receiver Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), are entering their second season in the NFL.
Running back Jehuu Caulcrick was cut from the New York Jets' roster but was added to their practice squad Sunday, then was released Tuesday. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin made Chicago's practice squad after being cut by the Bears.
"The Big Ten can prepare you -- the experiences you have here out in that stadium can prepare you for the NFL or other big-time experiences -- because of the pressures that are put on you here," Dantonio said. "I think those are all experiences that are very, very crucial to their long-term success."
Ex-MSU stars Hoyer, Ringer earn spots in NFL
BY SHANNON SHELTON
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
EAST LANSING -- Fans often had a strained relationship with Brian Hoyer during his two years as the Spartans' starting quarterback.
He was a hero when he passed for 282 yards and three touchdowns to beat Michigan in 2008, but took plenty of heat after a five-turnover performance at the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl that led to a loss against Boston College.
Coach Mark Dantonio, however, never wavered in his support for Hoyer and continually praised his level of leadership and skill. Now that Hoyer has landed on the New England Patriots' 53-man roster as the backup to Tom Brady, Hoyer has earned a measure of vindication.
"All along last year, what I saw in Brian Hoyer was a guy that did things right at the line of scrimmage, made the reads correct down the field, did things right in the huddle getting us to the line of scrimmage and getting us in the right play," Dantonio said Tuesday. "He showed a great amount of mental toughness. It's tough being a quarterback, because they're probably going to take most of the blame or get most of the credit."
Dantonio also noted that former running back Javon Ringer made the Tennessee Titans' roster Saturday, and that two other former MSU players, tight end Kellen Davis (Chicago Bears) and wide receiver Devin Thomas (Washington Redskins), are entering their second season in the NFL.
Running back Jehuu Caulcrick was cut from the New York Jets' roster but was added to their practice squad Sunday, then was released Tuesday. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin made Chicago's practice squad after being cut by the Bears.
"The Big Ten can prepare you -- the experiences you have here out in that stadium can prepare you for the NFL or other big-time experiences -- because of the pressures that are put on you here," Dantonio said. "I think those are all experiences that are very, very crucial to their long-term success."
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