Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2020 depth chart projection

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael Dowell #10 and Kalon Gervin #18 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 40-31. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Starting cornerbacks: Kalon Gervin, Julian Barnett
Backups: Shakur Brown, Davion Williams OR Christian Jackson

This position group, along with safeties, may be the toughest to judge heading into next season. Before spring ball, if I were to guess, Kalon Gervin and Julian Barnett would be the starting cornerbacks and Shakur Brown should be the primary backup because of his experience.

Davion Williams has a high ceiling as an athletic cornerback with size and I believe the new coaching staff will maximize his talent and get him to live up to that potential, especially Harlon Barnett. Christian Jackson is in the same boat as a young player with an incredibly high ceiling as he was highly-regarded out of Georgia. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both of those guys get major reps.

Starting safeties: Xavier Henderson, Michael Dowell
Backups: Darius Snow, Dominique Long

Xavier Henderson may be the only lock in the secondary heading into the season, but Michael Dowell should be right up there with him. He’s played a bit and knows the defense but he’ll have to develop a new relationship with Barnett.

Being a fresh face may not be a bad thing, so don’t count Darius Snow out here. He’s enrolled early and he’s my pick for one of the top breakout freshman this upcoming season. Dominique Long, too, should get a shot after making some noise on special teams.

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