Harold Joiner III, Michigan State Football News: Draft Scout Player News

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08/23/21 - OLB Harold Joiner III, rSr/2024, Michigan State

There can only be one quarterback, typically, but Michigan State football's backfield has another ongoing position battle that may continue all season. And Harold Joiner III stands head and shoulders above the rest of his fellow running backs. At least in terms of size. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Auburn transfer is competing with incumbent starter Jordon Simmons, 2019 starter Elijah Collins and Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III for carries in a crowded competition. "I really liked what Harold Joiner did in (Saturday's) scrimmage," MSU coach Mel Tucker said Tuesday. "He was able to get his pads down and run with some authority. And he's got excellent ball skills out of the backfield." Joiner is significantly bigger than the other three he is competing with, with more of a tight end or linebacker body than a traditional running back.

Walker is 5-10 and 210 pounds, Simmons is 5-11 195, and Collins is 6-1 225. A fifth player, Connor Heyward, is shifting into more of an H-back hybrid role and is 6-foot and 230 pounds. MSU offensive coordinator Jay Johnson feels despite Joiner's size, the junior from Birmingham, Alabama, can give MSU's offense additional versatility in the running and passing attacks. "He's long, he can run and he's shown good ball skills to this point. So I think you could move him in a lot of different areas," Johnson said. "And we've tried to do that a little bit with him. I see him as being very multiple in use." - Lansing State Journal

rSr/2024