Michigan State Football: 5 most irreplaceable players for 2019 season

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Dillon Mitchell #13 of the Oregon Ducks catches a touchdown pass over Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Yes, I know the cornerback position is arguably the deepest on the team, but that doesn’t make Josiah Scott’s impact on the 2019 Spartans any less important.

Entering the 2018 season, Scott was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country and was even named a Freshman All-American the year before. He was doing all the right things and far exceeded his recruiting ranking as a low three-star, but he suffered an injury and missed eight games during that 2018 campaign, finishing with 13 tackles, two picks and seven pass breakups.

Even playing in just five games, Scott had a major impact and the defense perked up, especially in the secondary. He locked down opponents’ best receivers and looked like a star in a short period of time, nearly matching his pass breakups from his freshman season and having one more interception in seven less appearances.

With Justin Layne gone, losing Scott would be detrimental to the secondary’s success because that would leave the Spartans with no true lockdown and very little experience.

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