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Michigan State Football: Justin Layne could be next two-way star

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State football could have its next two-way star in the former of sophomore Justin Layne.

Being a two-way star isn’t an easy task for high school football players. Heck, it’s tough enough to excel at one position, but two? Borderline impossible. For Michigan State’s soon-to-be sophomore Justin Layne, he’s about to pull off the unthinkable.

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Layne came to Michigan State as a four-star receiver from Ohio and it looked like he’d join a talented crop of wide outs. Three other four-star receivers had already committed and he would help make sure the distinction of ‘WRU’ remained in East Lansing.

Michigan State had produced two consecutive Big Ten Receiver of the Year award winners in Tony Lippett (2014) and Aaron Burbridge (2015). However, the Spartans would take a bit of a step back with more of a slot-type receiver, R.J. Shelton, becoming the No. 1 guy in 2016. People believed that Layne had the ability to get MSU back on track the following season.

However, a major switch was made for the freshman receiver. Struggling in the secondary, especially with injuries, Mark Dantonio needed some depth. He looked to the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver for help.

Layne made the switch to cornerback and got his first start against Northwestern. The transition was relatively seamless. While he struggling a bit in his first game, he also recorded his first career pick and took it to the house. His instincts as a wide receiver paid off at corner.

Playing the rest of the year on defense, it looked like he’d be the cornerback of the future, potentially bringing back the ‘No Fly Zone.’

Fortunately, he played both ways during the April 1 spring game. Receiver was his first love and he proved that he can still play the position at an elite level. He caught a couple of passes and ran crisp routes. He donned a white jersey (defense) but often threw on a green vest to take the field on offense.

If you want to know which position he played better, it’s tough to tell. He made routine plays at receiver, but also locked down the cornerback position. The future is bright with this kid.

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Like Lippett did in 2014 when he won the Big Ten Receiver of the Year award, Layne could be the Spartans’ next great two-way star. Be on the lookout.

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