Spotlight shines on Spartans running back Ringer

by Steve Grinczel

Thursday August 28, 2008, 12:30 AM

AP File PhotoMichigan State is making sure all eyes are on senior running back Javon Ringer, who rushed for 1,447 yards and six touchdowns in 2007.

EAST LANSNG -- If you received a solicitation to buy season tickets for Michigan State football, it likely was accompanied by a schedule superimposed on a vivid photograph of running back Javon Ringer.

A glossy advertising insert promoting DirecTV and the Big Ten Network practically jumped out of the newspaper earlier this week because of the oversized shot of Ringer running right at you.

Ringer is featured prominently on the MSU media guide cover, on various preseason magazines and mobile billboards roving the Lansing area.

It's no wonder teammate and fellow co-captain Justin Kershaw calls Ringer "Mr. Big Time."

No Spartan is getting more face time than the senior running back who last season became Michigan State's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2001 and is an encore away from being considered for some of college football's top individual awards.

"I tell him that he's changed from all the success he's had," said Kershaw, who by virtue of being a defensive tackle has a natural animosity toward ball carriers, especially those in the spotlight.

Of course, Kershaw can't maintain a straight face for long while giving Ringer the business.

"He knows I'm just messin' with him," Kershaw said. "He's a really good person and there's no one else I would rather see getting all the publicity."

Through no choice of his own, Ringer has become the face of the program.

He's the first player to give the Spartans more than just a generic identity since quarterback Drew Stanton graduated a couple years ago.

The unassuming Ringer accepts the role reluctantly, albeit graciously.

"I don't dislike it, but it's just not that big of a deal to me," said Ringer. "It's not something that I look at and say, 'I'm on this and I'm on that.'

"It's no big deal to me and I don't even pay it any mind. But it is a blessing and I thank God for it."

Ever since Ringer burst on the scene with a MSU freshman record 194 yards on just 13 carries at Illinois in '05, he has tried to avoid interviews even though he is a delightful interviewee. He celebrates touchdowns by handing the ball to the official.

That he would become the center of attention is a peculiar development for Michigan State given the fact that second-year coach Mark Dantonio made the concept of "We are One" a prevailing theme since Day 1 of his tenure.

The players themselves voted to keep jersey No. 1 out of circulation because no single player is above the team.

Nevertheless, stars are bound to rise and Kershaw said Ringer is an obvious choice to represent MSU for more than just his earnest running style and game-breaking ability.

"I don't think you could find a better person to represent any program," Kershaw said. "If you want to have the face of the program you have to have a good player first of all and Javon is a great player.

"I think you also have to have a player who's respectable and has good character. You never have to worry about him having any off-the-field problems or being a liability. I'm happy that he's the face of the program."

It isn't something Ringer takes lightly.

"Even though it's not something I would have chosen for myself, there is definitely responsibility that comes with it," he said. "If I get in trouble everybody's going to hear about it and look down on our program.

"But it doesn't put more pressure on me to perform on the field. I just pray and take it day by day. I don't feel any added pressure at all. I just live my life."

Ringer's celebrity doesn't contradict the philosophy of team as far as Dantonio is concerned. It enhances it by giving it more visibility.

"First of all, I think he's a great representative for Michigan State," Dantonio said. "He's an outstanding person, not just player. And he is extremely humble and giving. And secondly, I think he's the feature guy.

"He's the guy that's done it, not just for one year but for probably the two previous years as well. And you're going to usually take somebody like that and market those people, and I think that's what we've done. So I'm good with it."