EAST LANSING – A text message popped into Mark Staten’s phone, a memory of years gone by and a reminder of what’s still to come.
It was sent by Matt Allen. The Michigan State offensive lineman attached a photo of himself as a chubby, young teenager. He was standing with oldest brother, Jack, when he was about the same age at Spartan Stadium.
Now, it’s Matt’s turn to put on the uniform and play alongside middle brother, senior Brian, on that same field.
“All he ever wanted was to be a Spartan. That? You can’t beat that,” Staten said Thursday.