Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2015 season
Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) stretches for extra yards against Michigan State Spartans defensive back Montae Nicholson (9) during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
3. The ‘No Fly Zone’ makes a comeback
It was a long season for the Michigan State secondary, once labeled the ‘No Fly Zone,’ a year ago. Although Michigan State sent another player to the first round of the NFL Draft from the secondary, Trae Waynes, it finished just 60th in the country in terms of passing yards allowed per game.
Must Read: MSU Football: 5 bold predictions for the month of August
Darian Hicks struggled in his first season as starting cornerback and eventually lost his job close to the end of the year. Ohio State, Oregon and Baylor all torched the Spartans for a ridiculous amount of passing yards and the secondary was no longer considered elite.
The Spartans’ rushing defense made up for it, however, ranking first in the nation by allowing just under 90 yards per contest.
This year, MSU figures to have a solid secondary despite losing Kurtis Drummond at free safety as well as Waynes at corner.
Demetrious Cox has been anticipated by all Michigan State fans as the next best starter at cornerback/safety and he’s finally getting his shot to replace Waynes. Montae Nicholson is the other highly-touted player who is expected to be a star. The sophomore will be named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year — another bold prediction.
RJ Williamson will be at the other safety position and the senior is the leader of the bunch.
Lastly, the battle for the other cornerback position will be a heated one, likely bringing out the best guy to play the position. Whether that’s redshirt freshman Vayante Copeland, who has been compared to Darqueze Dennard, Jermaine Edmondson, Arjen Colquhoun or Darian Hicks is yet to be seen.
Whoever wins the battle will join an already-stellar secondary. Who needs Waynes and Dennard when you just reload with talent, right?
Next: 2. Connor Cook