QB competition has helped Cousins, Nichol sharpen skills

EAST LANSING - The quarterback duel between Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol is still neck and neck according to the Michigan State coaching staff.

"There's a lot of intensity, a lot of pressure," Cousins said. "We just keep pushing each other and it's a great opportunity, it's been like that since day one. We just gotta keep bringing our best to the table."

During his press conference, Coach Mark Dantonio said the nature of the situation has benefited both players.

"In terms of how they help each other, I think the biggest thing they do is compete," Dantonio said.

"Is it all buddy-buddy and do we have them room together and that kind of stuff? No, there's some separation there. But I think they have mutual respect for each other and that's important."

With both players looking like they possess the physical tools required to play quarterback, the starting job will likely be decided by the mental demands of the position.

Both Cousins and Nichol acknowledged the need to emerge as a team leader, and thrive under the pressure that goes along with the role.

"I think the biggest thing at this level is game management," Cousins said.

"A quarterback has to be able to keep his team in good situations and make good decisions. There's a lot put on (your) shoulders by the coaches and I think the person that runs the operation the smoothest has the greatest chance of being the guy."

With no apparent time table for naming the starter, Nichol said that Dantonio is in no rush to make that decision.

"He wants the competition to go for as long as it can before he makes a decision. He wants us to make it a hard choice for him and I think we're doing that."

• Ready for action: After missing most of 2007 with a dislocated kneecap, junior defensive end Colin Neely (Bethlehem, Pa.) appeared in all 13 games last season, recording 14 tackles with a career-high six in the opener at California.

With the defensive end spot opposite Trevor Anderson now up for grabs following the departure of Brandon Long, the 6-foot-1, 248- pound Neely has a chance to make even more of an impact this season.

Defensive line coach Ted Gill said Neely is starting to fully understand the system, and has come a long way since his injury.

"He's a very coachable guy," Gill said. "He knows exactly what he has to do to continue to get better, and he's worked very hard to get to that point."

• Safety overload: One of the surprises on the depth chart was sophomore Trenton Robinson (Bay City Central) at starting free safety.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Robinson flew under the radar last season, making six tackles during limited action on special teams and at cornerback.

During the Green and White game, Robinson recorded eight tackles, capping off what defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett described as the best spring of any member in the secondary.

"He's definitely earned it, and the players recognize that as well," Barnett said.

Fifth-year senior Kendell Davis-Clark (Alliance, Ohio), who missed eight games last year to injury, is listed as Robinson's backup while fellow seniors Dan Fortener (Kettering, Ohio) and Marcus Hyde (Fostoria, Ohio) will battle for the strong safety position.