Michigan State Football: 5 burning questions heading into 2017 fall camp

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads his team onto the field before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Eddie McDoom #13 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first down as Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans gives chase during the first quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

4. Who stands out at safety?

The safety position raises one of the biggest question marks heading into fall camp. Who will stand out over the next month at the two safety positions, replacing Demetrious Cox and Montae Nicholson? Right now, there’s no clear answer, but Dantonio is hoping that changes in a month’s time.

The early favorites are David Dowell and Khari Willis. The former hasn’t played much in a Spartan uniform, but has the potential to be a solid contributor in the secondary. Willis, on the other hand, showed flashes of being a future star in the defensive backfield during the tumultuous 2016 season.

Don’t sleep on Grayson Miller, Matt Morrissey or converted cornerback Austin Andrew here, either. All three have different strengths but Dantonio might just go with the youth movement. Incoming freshmen Dominique Long and Emmanuel Flowers could get an early look as well.

It’s unfortunate that both safety positions have to be replaced, but the young talent is there. Who will stand out to the coaching staff as potential first-year starters?

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