Malik Dear

Will Malik Dear be used as an offensive weapon vs. Auburn

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Malik Dear hasn’t had much playing time this year despite preseason expectation of him being a top performer in MSU’s offense.

So far this year Malik Dear has just one rushing attempt for six yards and three catches for 35 yards….and all of it came vs. UMass. The only other time he’s touched the ball was a kickoff return at LSU.

In 2015 as a true freshman, Dear had 110 rushing yards (10 YPC) and 23 catches for 226 yards. He exhibited great athleticism that had State fans really excited to see what he could do as a sophomore.

But he was suspended for the opener vs. South Alabama and all but suspended until the UMass game. Even against the Minutemen, however, he didn’t get enough touches for my liking.

The Bulldogs have a running back problem, and while Dear isn’t listed as one his 5′-9″ 220 pound frame looks and moves like one.

Nevertheless, he is the type of athlete that can be an “X” factor in Dan Mullen’s offense if he’ll just use him. Getting carries out of the backfield or lined up as a receiver – just get Malik the ball and let’s see what he can do.

The offense needs to go younger. Try as we might to scratch across a bowl trip this year, it’s a rebuild to be sure. Fred Ross is the best receiver MSU has but he’s a senior so you aren’t going to rebuild with him. Donald Gray will be back in 2017 but he needs a partner in crime.

Could Malik Dear be that guy? It doesn’t appear Gabe Myles is ready to take the next step and we need someone to. Jesse Jackson, Jamal Couch, Deddrick Thomas – who will it be?

And let’s use Malik Dear on kickoffs as well. I’ve seen Brandon Holloway run up the backs of his blockers and get gang-tackled at the 22 yard line too many times to count. Dear has the type of speed and shiftiness that excels on kickoff returns. Let’s use it.