In high school, Rocky Lombardi excelled in baseball, track and wrestling along with football. Now, Michigan State’s backup quarterback is adding yet another line to his athletics résumé.
Tuesday, Mark Dantonio announced that Michigan State’s primary punter, Jake Hartbarger, will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks because of injury. Hartbarger suffered an unspecified leg injury in this past Saturday’s loss to Arizona State.
DAntonio says punter Jake Hartbarger is out 6-8 weeks ... Rocky Lombardi will handle punting for now
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 11, 2018
The fifth-year senior was entering his fourth year as the Spartans’ primary punter. It appears the earliest Hartbarger would return is the Nov. 3 Maryland game, but could possibly be out until the Nov. 17 game against Nebraska.
Following Hartbarger’s injury, Lombardi punted one time for 32 yards. That was the first punt of the redshirt freshman’s career.
Lombardi. who has to attempt a pass at this level, will continue on in his role as the Spartans’ No. 2 quarterback.