Mark Dantonio says 'it's unfortunate' DeAnthony Arnett wasn't redshirted

Despite petitioning the NCAA to make Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett eligible to play immediately, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio told Josh Slagter of MLive.com on Tuesday that he is disappointed that his talented receiver wasn't redshirted instead.

"It's unfortunate that we didn't redshirt him because we had such high expectations and hopes for him at the beginning of the season," Dantonio said. "The reality is how many guys can you play? I'm sure he's disappointed in it. I'm a little disappointed in it was well."

The 5'11, 170-pound Saginaw native hauled down 24 passes for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his freshman season with the Volunteers, but has struggled mightily to break into Michigan State's crowded rotation at receiver. In addition to seeing the field for only six of the Spartans' 10 games this season, Arnett last played during the team's double-overtime loss to Iowa on Oct. 13 and no longer looks to be a factor offensively.

Arnett was granted a waiver by the NCAA in order to be closer to his father, William, and was instantly expected to take on a significant role upon signing with Dantonio and the Spartans. Instead, Arnett has been forced to sit idle on the sideline as the trio of Keith Mumphery, Bennie Fowler and Tony Lippett have emerged as proven weapons.