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Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Starters: Cal Haladay, Jacoby Windmon
Backups: Ma’a Gaoteote, Tank Brown, Aaron Brule

I know what you’re already thinking: Where is Quavaris Crouch? With his status after being unavailable at the end of the 2021 season unclear, we’re going to stick with the linebackers who are sure to be back in 2022. Crouch could return, but right now, no one knows.

Starting will be Freshman All-American Cal Haladay who took the defense by storm this season, racking up a team-high (tied with Xavier Henderson) 96 tackles to go along with five tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes. He had an incredible year and he’s a lock to start for the Spartans in 2022.

Who will line up next to him? Assuming Michigan State plays a 4-2-5 again, I see that guy being UNLV transfer Jacoby Windmon who had 119 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles this season. If Michigan State ever runs a 4-3, I could see either Aaron Brule (Mississippi State transfer) or Tank Brown taking over.

Both Brule and Brown have elite potential and I think they help make the linebacker position a major strength in 2022.

Add in Ma’a Gaoteote and you have an impressive group. He finished his true freshman season with seven tackles, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. His future is bright.

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