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Michigan State Football: Predicting depth chart following spring game

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) celebrates an end zone interception during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) celebrates an end zone interception during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety

Projected Starter: Demetrious Cox, Senior

Formerly ranked among the nation’s top-100 prospects, Demetrious Cox finally got his chance at safety in 2015, but struggled with consistency. He was moved to cornerback when Vayante Copeland was injured and it was obvious he wasn’t comfortable there. Back at safety full-time, he will be one of the top returning secondary players in the Big Ten.

Projected Starter: Montae Nicholson, Junior

Everyone expected Montae Nicholson to break out in his sophomore season, and that’s a big reason as to why he suffered a slump. Often times he was getting burned deep and missing assignments, but with the hard work he put in at the end of the year, he vastly improved and earned his starting job back. He’s my favorite breakout candidate in the secondary.

Rotation: Khari Willis, Sophomore

Khari Willis was one of the true freshman in the 2015 class who didn’t redshirt. Instead, he started in place of the confidence-lacking Nicholson during the Michigan game. He didn’t set the world on fire, but he did gain some experience that will pay huge dividends this year and beyond.

Rotation: David Dowell, Freshman (RS)

The forgotten Dowell brother, David, was one of the top performers in the spring game, earning solid playing time for the 2016 season, presumably. He recorded six tackles and an interception to lead the White team. I see Dowell playing big minutes at safety.

Rotation: Matt Morrissey, Sophomore

Matt Morrissey has been talked about as a guy who has earned himself a larger role this season due to his strong spring. He might not be a household name, but he will see the field in spots.

Reserve: Jalen Watts-Jackson, Sophomore

The legend. Jalen Watts-Jackson still has to recover from a hip injury, but he will be ready to go in the fall and he’ll probably be more of a special teams guy than a safety contributor.

Reserve: Mark Meyers, Senior

Mark Meyers found himself in the dog house last year and it will take a good spring and fall to vault himself up the depth chart into a prominent playing position in his final season.

Reserve: Kenney Lyke, Freshman

Kenney Lyke is one of the prized recruits from the 2016 class who happens to be an early enrollee. The one reason he’s ahead of an Army All-American incoming freshman is because he will have a better understanding of the defense by the time fall rolls around. Still, a likely redshirt candidate.

Reserve: Demetric Vance, Freshman

Vance is an Army All-American and one of those guys who can make a difference at Michigan State eventually. However, that will have to wait as he’s expected to be a redshirt player during his true freshman season in 2016.

Next: Special Teams

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