Messiah deWeaver granted full release from MSU

With the 2017 season just barely over, Michigan State Spartans backup quarterback Messiah deWeaver announced he would be transferring away from State. On Sunday, he said the school granted him a full release.

deWeaver made the announcement via his Twitter account on Saturday, thanking head coach Mark Dantonio and the rest of Spartan Nation.

“After much thought and prayer about my future, I’ve decided to transfer from Michigan State University ! I want to thank Coach Dantonio, the coaching staff, my teammates, faculty, adn the great fans in East Lansing for supporting me and giving me lasting memories that I’ll never forget ! I’m looking forward tot he challenges and goals that I have set high for myself ! it was a blessing to grow and to be a part of Spartan Nation ! My journey continues... #GoGreen”

deWeaver’s first active year for the Spartans was spent as the third string quarterback behind sophomore Brian Lewerke and fifth-year senior Damion Terry. Lewerke has clearly solidified his spot as the starter. deWeaver likely would have had the best shot at taking over as the second-string QB, but would see competition from sophomore Rocky Lombardi, grad transfer Mickey Macius and incoming freshmen Theo Day and La’Darius Jefferson.

Coming out of high school, deWeaver was a four-star recruit from Huber Heights, Ohio. deWeaver was an initial verbal commit to Michigan, before pulling back and finally committing to MSU.

In his lone season with the Spartans, deWeaver made an appearance in only two games. He has made no indication as to where he will transfer. In addition to Michigan State and Michigan, deWeaver received offers out of high school from Arkansas, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Duke, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Toledo and Western Kentucky.

Barring an injury or something unforeseen, the Spartans have their quarterback for next year, at the very least, in Lewerke. However, there is much to be seen for what the MSU depth chart will look like not only next year but going forward.

Of the group, Lombardi was the best recruit. Ranked as the No. 12 quarterback in the country, Lombardi is a big, strong quarterback with the arm to make any throw and enough athleticism to keep plays alive, and defenses honest. Day is seen as more of a pocket passer, but with a 6-foot-6 frame he has the ability to make almost any throw necessary. Jefferson, initially a Central Florida commit, is a true dual-threat quarterback. While he doesn’t have the same projections as Lombardi and Day, Jefferson was named Michigan’s Mr. Football.

Marcius, who transfers to the Spartans from Austin Peay, has two years of eligibility left. In his one year of collegiate play, Marcius played eight games, completing 57% of his passes and throwing six touchdowns.