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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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Michigan State’s Charles Brantley, right, tackles Nebraska’s Samori Toure during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210925 Msu Nebraska 195a
Michigan State’s Charles Brantley, right, tackles Nebraska’s Samori Toure during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210925 Msu Nebraska 195a /

Defensive Backs

Cornerbacks: Charles Brantley, Ronald Williams
Backups: Caleb Coley, Marqui Lowery

It was a disappointing year all around for the secondary, and that’s putting it nicely. We didn’t see a lockdown duo of Chester Kimbrough and Ronald Williams that we thought we would, but I think the latter showed some promise this season. He had 38 tackles, eight pass breakups, two tackles for loss, a pick, and a sack. He could be back as a starter. Alongside him should be Charles Brantley who looked solid as a true freshman before a season-ending injury, posting 18 tackles, four pass breakups, and a pick that sealed the win over Michigan.

Marqui Lowery was solid in limited action this season after transferring over from Louisville so I’d like to see more of him on the two-deep and I also believe in incoming freshman Caleb Coley. He could be a special cornerback here.

Starting safeties: Xavier Henderson, Angelo Grose
Backup: AJ Kirk, Jaden Mangham

I have a weird feeling that Xavier Henderson is going to come back for one final year. No inside info, just a gut feeling at this point and that would be huge for the Spartans. He’d be an immediate first-team All-Big Ten safety candidate and he finished tops on the team in tackles (96) this year while also finishing second on the team in tackles for loss (10). He had three sacks, two pass breakups, a pick, and a forced fumble as well. Angelo Grose should only get better next season after a somewhat disappointing year at safety.

AJ Kirk redshirted this season and I could see the former Ohio-based defensive back get a shot to play behind Henderson and Grose. I’d be shocked if he didn’t see the field plenty in 2022 — he’s that good. I also want to see some Jaden Mangham at free safety as an incoming freshman. He’s a talented prospect.

Nickelback: Darius Snow
Backup: AJ Kirk

Darius Snow was one of the most pleasant surprises on the team this year and he absolutely earned a starting role. He was arguably the most consistent tackler on the team and always seemed to be in on plays when he was on the field. He had 87 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and an interception this season and should be an All-Big Ten candidate in 2022.

Behind him will be Kirk again because I think he can play multiple positions.

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