Championship‑level structure takes shape
LeVar Woods has taken the reins as Michigan State’s special teams coordinator, bringing a philosophy that blends internal player development with a championship‑level structure.
He insists that the ultimate accolade for a special‑teams player is not a statistic but the ability to function as a true football player, capable of lining up at any position on the field.
Under his guidance, the unit has been reshaped by a mix of portal acquisitions and home‑grown talent. Punter Rhys Dakin, kicker Liam Boyd, long snapper Nick Duzansky and return specialist Kenneth Williams have joined a group that also features emerging arms such as Alex Weeks, Stephen Gonzales and Trey Serauskis.
Coach Pat Fitzgerald has publicly praised Woods, calling him a future head coach and highlighting the championship‑level technique he brings to East Lansing.
The new five‑in‑five eligibility rule gives Woods unrestricted access to the entire roster, allowing him to mold players without the constraints of redshirt seasons and to build continuity from day one.
Past special‑teams units have struggled under previous coordinators, but Woods says the focus and discipline he sees in practice already signal a turnaround, with the squad poised to compete from the first week.