Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart after spring 2019

4 of 7

EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Cornerback Josiah Scott #22 celebrates with linebacker Antjuan Simmons #34 and safety Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after intercepting a pass by quarterback Giovanni Rescigno #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Secondary

Starting cornerbacks: Josiah Scott, Josh Butler
Backups: Kalon Gervin, Shakur Brown

Is there any doubt that Josiah Scott and Josh Butler will be the starters at the two cornerback positions? Probably not, especially not Scott, but Butler is expected to finally get his shot to prove himself with Justin Layne going pro. Behind those two, and pushing for Butler’s spot, are Kalon Gervin and Shakur Brown.

Gervin had one of the most impressive spring games of anyone and looked like a breakout candidate. He had a couple of nice pass breakups and was all over the field. Brown has an incredibly high ceiling and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding his progress.

Starting safeties: David Dowell, Xavier Henderson
Backups: Michael Dowell, Dominique Long

David Dowell is the returning leader in the secondary and he could put together another All-Big Ten caliber season if he gets back to his 2017 ways. Xavier Henderson will be starting in place of Khari Willis who is a tough player to replace as a senior captain, but many believe the talented sophomore has a higher ceiling.

The backups should be Michael Dowell and Dominique Long, but Tre Person is another quality option. He could play either position and looked solid this spring. Dowell is being groomed to potentially replace his brother while Long has been working hard on special teams throughout his career, patiently waiting his turn.

Home/Spartans Football