Linking Laconically is being watched

Although Fourth of July weekend just ended, football is starting to feel closer and closer. Summer is great and all, especially after a brutal winter, but I still can't help but long for football Saturdays (and a Friday). One sign of the season approaching is the release of official award watch lists, and after many of the Spartans made a name for themselves last year, they're getting much-deserved preseason love heading into 2014.

5 Spartans named to preseason award watch lists | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

As Joe points out, what a difference a year makes.

Mateen Cleaves says incoming Michigan State point guard Lourawls Nairn 'reminds me of myself' | MLive | mlive.com

Love Nairn's combination of confidence and humility.

Podcast: Michigan State football breakdown with The Only Colors | Land-Grant Holy Land | landgrantholyland.com

Hey, Pete!

Former Spartan David Thomas joining MSU women's program | Lansing State Journal | lsj.com

Great news for DT.

Flint athletes 'Dig Deep' for former Michigan State football player Greg Cooper to improve skills at camp | MLive | mlive.com

Always nice to see Spartans making a difference.

Michigan State moves quickly on big receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside | Detroit News | detroitnews.com

Good size, great name.

Michigan State, Kentucky at top for football recruit Marcus Walker | Detroit Free Press | freep.com

I don't like living in a world where sought after football recruits really like Kentucky.

Tom Izzo says widening gap between academics and athletics 'disappoints me thoroughly' | MLive | mlive.com

He's seen a lot of changes in his time in East Lansing.