Jonathan Smith shares high praise for QB Aidan Chiles during Big Ten Football Media Days

USA Today

4 days ago

Michigan State football will go as far as starting quarterback Aidan Chiles can take them. And it sounds like Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith is confident in riding that train with Chiles.
It was the Spartans turn at Big Ten Football Media Days on Thursday afternoon, with Smith making the media rounds throughout the day. One of his stops was on the Big Ten Network's season preview show where Smith was asked about Chiles and his ability as the Spartans' starting quarterback. From what it sounds like, Smith is confident in what Chiles is able to bring to the table for Michigan State this upcoming season.
"He can create. He can make all the throws. He's competitive," Smith told the Big Ten Network cast during media days. "Maybe it's not great at first so I'm going to go extend this play. So you like some of those attributes out of him, but at the same time not making a bad play worse. Sometimes, 2nd down is okay or punting the ball is okay. Through his experience last year, I think he has learned. If you look at him statistically, games one through six vs. games seven through 12, the stats are a whole lot better in the back end. We want to stay on that trajectory and then do our part also."
Here's the full video clip from the quote above as well -- courtesy of the Big Ten Football official X account:
Chiles was a first year starter for Michigan State last year, starting all 12 games for the Spartans. He struggled with consistency at times, throwing for 2,415 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during his first year. He also ran for 225 yards and three touchdowns last season.
The notable thing that Smith touched on in his interview was the improvement in the back half of the season for Chiles. Of his 11 interceptions (which is his biggest knock against him last year), eight of those came in the first six games compared to only three in the final six games. If Chiles is able to continue that trajectory as Smith said, then I too am very excited for what he could bring to the table this season in year two as the Spartans' starter.
Michigan State opens the 2025 season on August 29 against in-state foe Western Michigan. Kickoff from Spartan Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be televised on FS1.
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