DaytonDailyNews.com

Michigan State star Javon Ringer may be largely an unknown commodity outside of Big Ten country, but a high-profile season-opener and an increased workload this year should give the senior running back a chance to do something about that.

The Spartans will play Pac-10 power California on the road Aug. 30 in prime time. And for the first time in the Dayton native's career, MSU likely will abandon its tag-team approach at running back, trusting Ringer with the bulk of the carries.

The second-team All-Big Ten selection rushed 245 times for 1,447 yards (a 5.9 average) last season, while Jehuu Caulcrick had 222 attempts for 872 yards in his senior season.

"I'm excited about carrying a bigger load," said Ringer, who joins his teammates for the first practice of the season Monday, Aug. 4. "I'm not worried about any extra pressure on my shoulders. We still have a tremendous offense with our receivers. I feel like they're going to open up the running game for me, and I'm going to open up the passing game for them."

A devout Christian, Ringer admitted his faith was tested while going through a pair of surgeries on his right knee, tearing his ACL as a senior at Chaminade-Julienne High School and his MCL as a sophomore at MSU.

"You always kind of question things and get upset," he said. "But everything happens for a reason. I know God has a plan for my life. I just have to stay faithful to that.

"Each time, I've been blessed to come back stronger and faster and better than what I was. I don't have any soreness in my knee or stiffness. I don't hesitate to cut on it. It feels good."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.