Aug. 8, 2011

EAST LANSING, Mich. - More than 50 reporters from around the state of Michigan gathered Monday inside the Spartan Club at Spartan Stadium for Michigan State Football Media Day.

The morning began with roundtable interviews with defensive players and coaches, followed by interviews with the offensive staff and players. Fifth-year head coach Mark Dantonio concluded media day festivities with a 30-minute press conference at the main podium.

"You certainly want to recognize last year, but you also have to understand 2011 is the next project, the next season down the road," said Dantonio at his press conference. "It will always be like that, so you can't live on what's happened in the past. So there is a very fine line in being confident but yet staying humble and understanding that there is work to be done yet.

"I've always tried to look ahead. Whether it's coming off a loss or a great season or a win, we've tried to look ahead to see what's on the horizon for this program. I think good things are on the horizon. We're poised, but we need to stay focused in this process."

In the afternoon, the Spartans held their second practice of preseason camp on the grass fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building.

COVERAGE:
Photos: Gallery

Video: Media Day Recap | Dantonio Press Conference

Quotes: Coach Dantonio Press Conference Transcript

Podcasts:
Coaches: Head Coach Mark Dantonio
Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi
Running Backs Coach Brad Salem

Defense:
Sophomore linebacker Denicos Allen
Sophomore linebacker Max Bullough
Sophomore defensive lineman William Gholston
Sophomore safety Isaiah Lewis
Junior linebacker Chris Norman
Senior defensive tackle Kevin Pickelman
Senior safety Trenton Robinson
Red-shirt freshman punter Mike Sadler

Offense:
Junior running back Edwin Baker
Junior running back Larry Caper
Senior quarterbacker Kirk Cousins
Senior left guard Joel Foreman
Sophomore wide receiver Bennie Fowler
Sophomore left tackle Dan France
Senior tight end Brian Linthicum
Senior wide receiver Keshawn Martin
Junior right guard Chris McDonald