MSU QB Aidan Chiles Doesn't Feel The Pressure

As soon as quarterback Aidan Chiles committed to Michigan State out of the transfer portal on Dec. 14, it felt like Jonathan Smith's rebuild in East Lansing was officially underway.

A former four-star recruit and Top-150 player coming out of high school, Chiles is the type of quarterback prospect that MSU hasn't landed very often in the past — maybe ever. With that, and the highlight tape Chiles produced as a true freshman at Oregon State, expectations for the sophomore are sky-high as the Spartans go through spring practice.

However, Chiles isn't feeling the pressure that comes with those high expectations.

"I mean, I don't feel it," Chiles told reporters last week. "I felt it last year for no reason at all. Last year I was just in a slump during fall camp, just because I was like trying to keep a job that I didn't have, you know? But, this year is really different. I learned how to manage that. Obviously, there's pressure. I know there's pressure. But, at the same time, I learned how to deal with that and get over it and just play my game."

How has Chiles learned to deal with the pressure of outside expectations?

"I started talking to a sports psychologist, and I also started talking to my parents more, you know, just trying to get their input," Chiles said. "But, I think talking to Coach Smith through all of this really helped me a lot through all of this. I wouldn't be here right now, in Michigan right now, if it wasn't for Coach Smith and the conversations we had prior to this. So, it really came down to those people and I really appreciate them for that, because it was a big step coming here."

When Chiles gets on the field, that same mentality takes over in-game as well, and allows him to block out the noise.

"I don't think I get too out of my comfort zone, for real," he said. "It takes a lot to get me not level-headed. I feel like I always play loose. I don't really, I wouldn't say 'lock in' before a game. I'm really just out there trying to just be myself and be cool."

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

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