Michigan State Football: 5 most irreplaceable players in 2015

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

How can I say a sophomore safety is one of the most irreplaceable players on the team? Well, if the Spartans have a more naturally-talented defensive back on the team, I haven’t seen him yet.

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Montae Nicholson may just be one of the more gifted athletes to come to MSU in quite some time. Being able to play both offense and defense, Nicholson has the ability to snag an interception and then head back on the field to catch a touchdown pass — that’s rare for a college football player.

Wowing the coaching staff this offseason, Nicholson has been an absolute stud in practices and scrimmages, making fans yearn for the season opener just to see how he responds to being named the most solidified secondary starter on the team — maybe outside of senior safety R.J. Williamson.

If the ‘No Fly Zone’ wants to make a comeback, Nicholson will need to be on the field and healthy this season.

The Spartans were lucky enough to see the former four-star high school recruit in all 13 games as a true freshman last season, so they know just how talented he really is. What this kid can bring to the table is unbelievable and he might end up taking home some hardware at the end of the year.

Next: 3. Jack Conklin