Michigan State confident in Andrew Maxwell's "quarterback swag"

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Suiting up for their first padded practice Monday, Michigan State's offensive starters all expressed their confidence in their new starting quarterback, Andrew Maxwell.

Replacing the winningest signal caller in Spartans history will be a difficult task.

Yet as the players faced questions at media day, the focus quickly shifted from the old "shoes to fill" adage--to what the new guy is bringing to the table.

"He's got that quarterback swag. Guys just flock to him," running back Le'Veon Bell said.

From there, the day's hot topic took off.

"No doubt Maxwell has swag. You can tell when he's practicing out there, he's always looking to make the big play," wide receiver Bennie Fowler said.

It's more than just the way he's been practicing. It's in his look, too. Teammates were pointing out the "Brady sleeves" and the "Aaron Rodgers walk." Maxwell could only laugh.

"We do joke around about my Tom Brady sleeves. I cut my long sleeves to (elbow length) where Tom Brady cuts his," Maxwell explained.

Head coach Mark Dantonio said he has the fullest belief in Maxwell as a leader, something he said goes hand-in-hand with the position he plays.

"He's a very confident person, and when they say he has swag, I just think he lets things roll off his shoulders," Dantonio said.

"He understands the pressures of playing quarterback. He also understands the pressures of playing here. Before he throws a pass, he needs to command the huddle, show leadership. I think he can do that."

Maxwell said he doesn't actively dwell on his confidence or swagger. The fact is, it seemingly comes naturally to him. Months after inheriting the job, Maxwell said he is at ease with all that comes with playing the headlining position at a Big Ten school.

"It definitely helps when you don't have to work on it. If you're trying to work on getting swag, then you're not trying to work on being a better quarterback."

That's the end goal, but the attitude comes in handy.

"If that's something I do have, it's a plus, I guess."