Michigan State Football: 3 breakout candidates on defense for 2020

I bet you’re not surprised to see this name on the list. Julian Barnett is one of the most talented players on the roster and before his career is done at MSU, I’d wager a bet that he’ll be one of the best players in the Big Ten. Barnett is easily an NFL talent.

However, he didn’t play much on the defensive side of the ball in 2019 and that’s because the coaching staff just wanted to get him on the field any way possible. He played in all 13 games as a receiver and caught 13 passes for 182 yards and eight of those for 106 yards came in the final three contests of the regular season.

Barnett’s future could have very well been at receiver, but the new coaching staff seems determined to keep him on defense as to best utilize his natural talent and fill a need.

The sophomore has earned plenty of praise from the “new” defensive staff and looks like a favorite to land one of the starting cornerback positions. He has the talent, he has the size and he has receiver skills which always help — just ask Tony Lippett.

We are about to see this kid take off and become an All-Big Ten player.