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Dantonio Says Michigan State's L.J. Scott Will Redshirt

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio says running back LJ Scott will redshirt this season and return in 2019.

Utah State v Michigan State
EAST LANSING, MI - AUGUST 31: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to run through the tackle of Gaje Ferguson #23 of the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Scott did not play Saturday when the 24th-ranked Spartans lost 26-6 to eighth-ranked Ohio State. He hurt his ankle in early September and has appeared in only four games this year.

Michigan State v Arizona State
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled after a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Scott was considered a candidate to leave for the NFL last year, but he decided to come back to Michigan State. He has rushed for only 180 yards this season.

Michigan v Michigan State
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 20: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to LJ Scott #3 for a first quarter run while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Players can now appear in up to four games and still qualify for a redshirt year.

Michigan v Michigan State
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan won the game 21-7. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

"You have an opportunity for him to come back, get his degree," Dantonio said. "He wants to do that and get himself right to play his final season at Michigan State."

© 2018 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.CBS62

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