Michigan State Football: 3 biggest surprises from 2021 season

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Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay scores a touchdown after intercepting the ball from Pittsburgh quarterback Davis Beville during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. /

Cal Haladay was barely on anyone’s radar heading into the season, but one of Mark Dantonio’s final recruits ended up cracking the starting lineup and starring in the middle of the defense.

As a redshirt freshman, Haladay really proved himself and took the defense by storm. He was barely a known name heading into the season as a middle-of-the-pack commit in the 2020 class, but Mel Tucker liked what he brought to the table enough to give him the nod next to Quavaris Crouch and over guys like Chase Kline, Noah Harvey, and Ben VanSumeren.

Haladay didn’t disappoint, finishing the season tied for first on the team in total tackles (96) to go along with five tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two pick-sixes, including the one that sealed the Peach Bowl win over Pitt.

Michigan State fans probably expected Crouch to be the star at linebacker this season, but it was Haladay who captured the spotlight and was arguably the Spartans’ second-best defender all year.

Talk about a surprise.

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