The scrimmages are done: 7 position battles to watch for Spartans as season nears

EAST LANSING — Before long, Michigan State football will emerge from preseason into preparation mode.

That makes the upcoming final week of camp a vital one for players competing for starting jobs and leadership roles to shore up depth charts as Jonathan Smith continues rebuilding the Spartans to potentially becoming a Big Ten contender in his second season.

The home stretch kicked in Saturday, Aug. 16, with MSU’s second and final scrimmage of camp. Here are a few positions Smith and his staff will be examining closely in the final week before turning their attention toward the Aug. 29 opener at home against Western Michigan (7 p.m., FS1).

Wide receiver

Nick Marsh is a lock. So, too, is Middle Tennessee State transfer Omari Kelly . But the fight for the No. 3 wideout spot has