New MSU QB Aidan Chiles is Ready to Play

The Michigan State Spartans are looking ahead to better days with new head coach Jonathan Smith. Coming out of the Mel Tucker era, Smith is bringing a renewed energy with him from Oregon State -- and new quarterback Aidan Chiles.

There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to Chiles. The sophomore from Long Beach has many gifts -- a solid, accurate arm, the ability to move off his first read and hit the second or third option, confidence in the pocket, and the ability to make plays with his legs.

In years past, the Spartans saw these given traits in multiple quarterbacks. But not all wrapped in one. If this were baseball, Chiles would be considered a five-tool player.

Chiles played backup behind D.J. Uiagalelei last season and impressed in his nine appearances. Nearly 70% of his passes were completed on 35 attempts. He recorded four touchdowns and no interceptions against good Pac-12 competition.

Chiles was ranked the No. 2 QB in the transfer portal by 247 Sports, the seventh-ranked player overall.

And the best part? Chiles is here to compete. He made it clear what he intended to do in East Lansing when he addressed the media last week.

"At the end of the day, I'm still here to play football," Chiles said.

Chiles also mentioned he does not feel any of the pressure the fans or the media is putting on him. The ability to withstand pressure is a priceless intangible quarterbacks must possess to succeed at this level -- whether it is the fans in the stands, the media attention, or a 280-pound edge rusher looking to do damage.

There is plenty of pressure on the 18-year-old, too. Despite not playing a single snap wearing the Green and White, Chiles has some outlets talking Heisman. Don't forget the media attention Chiles' received when making his decision to come to East Lansing -- more than any other transfer or recruit in recent memory.

The pressure is there for Chiles and his new head coach. But so far this spring, only one thing has been clear: no matter the hype, the goal is to play football.

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spartan Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 PM.

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