Air Force vs Michigan State: 5 players who need to step up

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) and safety Rj Williamson (26) defend Oregon Ducks wide receiver Byron Marshall (9) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

3. RJ Williamson

Through the first couple of games this season, senior strong safety R.J. Williamson has been almost non-existent in the secondary. While that may be somewhat of a good thing, the Spartans need to see more of a leadership role coming from their most veteran, and experienced, defensive back.

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Williamson came into the 2015 expecting to take over the role of Kurtis Drummond in the secondary as the leader and break out this season. However, that hasn’t been the case just yet.

Much like Jeremy Langford on the offensive side of the ball last year, Williamson was known for coming up with a big touchdown in the clutch. Langford was known for sealing the game with a touchdown run while Williamson loved to get a big interception and returning it a long way — or for a touchdown.

The senior did have a solid week one performance in terms of tackles, with eight, and backed that up with three more tackles, a pass deflection and an interception against Oregon. He will need to be much more of a presence in the defensive backfield if the Spartans want to have a serious shot at a national title this year.

Next: 2. R.J. Shelton