Tuesday was roster cut day across the NFL, as all 32 teams reduced their rosters to 53 players.
Many Michigan State Spartans have been on the active roster of NFL teams. Some players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons, were never in danger of being released.
However, some players were on the waiting list or did not have a guaranteed spot. Linebacker Ben VanSumeren made the Philadelphia Eagles roster after spending his rookie season on the practice squad.
Center Nick Samac, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, was also among the Spartans who made the 53-man roster. Samac started 32 games as a center for the Spartans from 2019 to 2023.
During the Spartans’ turbulent 2023 season, Samac enjoyed the opportunity to guide the players through the year.
“It was great,” Samac told me at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. “I loved the challenge and I think it will prepare me for the things I’ll have to go through in the future. It’s not going to be an easy process and I know that. So all the adversity I’ve been through has been for the good.”
And, as it turns out, this was for the better, as Samac will likely serve as a backup center for Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum.
Samac spent most of his career with the Spartans training under then-Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator Chris Kapilovic, who now plays at Alabama.
Samac told me the most important things he learned from Kapilovic and what he wants to take with him to the NFL.
“Probably just to stay in my playbook,” he said. “He’s gone over our playbook with us countless times and shown me how to properly study film and study the game. So I would say that’s the most important thing.”
Samac said he had the opportunity to meet Jonathan Smith before leaving East Lansing.
“I met them the day before I left,” he said. “I got to shake his hand. Great coaching staff; I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing them all again and having great conversations with them.”
So is Michigan State in good hands with Smith?
“Absolutely,” Samac said. “I’m excited to see what they do this year. I think they’re going to be a great team and shock a lot of people this year.”
Spartan Nation will cheer Samac with the Ravens, while Samac will cheer for the Spartans from Baltimore.
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