Michigan State Football: Early ranking of top 2019 NFL Draft prospects

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans catches his second touchdown pass of the first half against defensive back Michael Ojemudia #11 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: C.J. Sanders #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs for a short gain as Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans grabs the jersey during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 38-18. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Speaking of players who have switched positions from the offensive side of the ball to defense, Justin Layne was once a top wide receiver in the recruiting ranks, but has since moved to corner.

The former four-star receiver from Ohio has grown and molded into one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten — which is crazy when you think about it. He went from potential instant contributor at receiver as a freshman to starting cornerback in the same season. He sacrificed his natural position for the better of the team and hasn’t complained about it.

Although he probably could have been an All-Big Ten receiver, he’s used that athleticism and ability to high-point the ball to lock down opposing wide outs and make quarterbacks’ jobs that much tougher.

Layne broke in as a freshman with 18 tackles and a pick-six and extended that success into his sophomore season with 40 tackles, eight passes defended and another interception.

If he has a good enough season, he could decide to declare and become one of the biggest — at 6-foot-3 — cornerbacks in the 2019 class.

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