Michigan State Football: 5 upperclassmen who need to step up in 2017
Playing running back and linebacker in high school, Khari Willis probably never saw himself as Michigan State’s presumed starting safety at this point in his collegiate career. Entering the 2017 season, the junior looks to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball and he’s one of the only upperclassmen who avoided the redshirt during his career.
Coming in with Grayson Miller, another un-redshirted safety, there would be a competition for time once guys like Demetrious Cox and Montae Nicholson left. Now that both of those guys are on to bigger and better things, Willis and Miller will be duking it out for snaps at safety.
If the 2016 season proved anything, it was that Willis is probably the better option. While Miller has his upside, Willis is a better athlete with quicker feet. He needs to improve his reads on the quarterback and receivers, but for a safety, he is growing into a solid contributor.
Last season, he finished ninth on the team with 30 total tackles and he had two pass deflections. If the Spartans are going to bring back the ‘No Fly Zone’, he’s going to have to step up and be a leader both vocally and by example.