Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 players to watch
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darian Hicks (2) and linebacker Darien Harris (45) celebrate after the Oregon Ducks have a turnover on downs during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Out of all the cornerbacks on the team, why did I pick Darian Hicks? Well, the junior corner is coming off his mono sickness and is almost 100 percent healthy. Last year, he was the starting corner for the 11-2 Spartans opposite Trae Waynes and with redshirt freshman Vayante Copeland out with an injury, he figures to be back in the mix.
Related: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: Predicting the final score
Dantonio has made senior Arjen Colquhoun the starter in Copeland’s place at the corner position opposite Demetrious Cox, but he has played very poorly through three games. In fact, he looked shaky against a run-first Air Force team which passed the ball just nine times all game — a couple of big completions were on Colquhoun.
If the senior struggled, expect the guy with the most starting experience to come in and surprise people a little bit. I think Hicks has a shot to be back in the rotation at corner and the injury to Copeland could be his shot to really prove himself.
This is a guy we will need to keep an eye on as I think he will assert himself as the next-best option after Copeland at the second corner position. It’s time for Hicks to take his job back and prove to everyone that last season was a fluke.
Next: 4. Ben McCord