Alabama Crimson Tide

Michigan State football should not pursue Blake Barnett

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In response to a recent article, here’s the argument for Michigan State football avoiding Alabama quarterback transfer Blake Barnett.

When you think of Alabama, you think of a close-knit group of players who are aiming for one thing: a national title. However, former five-star quarterback Blake Barnett wants to break from the mold and is transferring from Alabama. A recent article from The Only Colors explained why Michigan State football should target him, but the Spartans know better and should steer clear.

Must Read: MSU Football: Report card for Indiana loss

The article explained three reasons why the Spartans should ‘go all in’ on Barnett and lure him to East Lansing. Michigan State is best for his skill set, he could have a special offense and he could make Nick Saban pay, were the three reasons.

All three of those are solid factors, but it fails to mention the main reason why the Spartans should avoid him: competition. The reason Barnett is transferring from Alabama is because he lost the starting job to Jalen Hurts. OK, Hurts is currently better than Michigan State’s quarterback options, but Mark Dantonio is in the process of grooming Tyler O’Connor’s replacement for 2017.

You might be wondering, “Why wouldn’t the staff just add a kid like Barnett if he’s interested?” The answer is pretty simple. He never recruited him and Dantonio has 3-4 guys who he hand-picked to be Michigan State quarterbacks currently in front of him.

Sure, the idea of adding a former five-star prospect to the team is attractive right now because the Spartans are in the midst of average quarterback play. However, Brian Lewerke has been compared to Kirk Cousins, Messiah deWeaver is considered the most talented on the team and incoming freshman for 2017 Rocky Lombardi was recruited for a reason.

On top of that, Barnett wouldn’t be eligible to play for one calendar year after his transfer. Meaning, Lewerke may begin the year as the starter in 2017 and Barnett would be eligible halfway through the year. Do you bench Lewerke for the idea of an elite passer even if he’s doing a solid job?

What about the year after? Would you make a quarterback competition between a guy who started an entire season for a guy who transferred in to avoid competition? Absolutely not.

Michigan State should, and most likely will, avoid Barnett at all costs. There’s no need for another quarterback in the mix to ruin chemistry.

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