Michigan State Football: Julian Barnett finds way back home on defense

Michigan State football released its spring roster on Tuesday and Julian Barnett is back at home where he belongs: on defense.

Mel Tucker released his first official roster on Tuesday afternoon and it looks like Michigan State is going to have some minor shakeups heading into the offseason.

Besides the occasion number change, departing players (Jack Bouwmeester) and returning players (Bryce Baringer), Michigan State is looking at some position changes as well. That includes naming an official position for former four-star athlete Julian Barnett.

According to the newly-released depth chart, Barnett is back on the defensive side of the ball where he calls home.

Barnett is one of a handful of cornerbacks on the roster and he may be the most talented. Moreover, he’s filling a position of need as Josh Butler and Josiah Scott are both gone. He could switch over and have an immediate impact for Scottie Hazelton’s defense and learning from Harlon Barnett is a positive.

The Belleville-native has stated in the past year that he’s more comfortable on the defensive side of the ball but the MSU coaches had him playing offense last year to fill a void in the receiving corps. He finished with 13 catches for 182 yards and he showed plenty of promise there, but he has a chance to flourish in the defensive backfield.

If Tucker wants to get the most out of the former top-100 recruit, he’ll need him on the defensive side of the ball where very little adjustments will need to be made.

This kid could become the Spartans’ next lockdown corner.

Don’t be surprised if Barnett is starting at cornerback to start the 2020 season as he’s currently my favorite to do so alongside Kalon Gervin or Shakur Brown.