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Michigan State football: Playing time odds for 2022 class defensive signees

By Emmett Matasovsky

Michigan State's head coach Mel Turner gives encouragement to players during football camp on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, on the MSU campus in East Lansing.210817 Msu Football Camp 121a
Michigan State's head coach Mel Turner gives encouragement to players during football camp on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, on the MSU campus in East Lansing.210817 Msu Football Camp 121a /
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Ade Willie, CB

CB room:

Losing: Spencer Rowland, CJ Hayes, Emmanuel Flowers
Returning: Charles Brantley, Ronald Williams, Chester Kimbrough, Khary Crump, Marqui Lowery, Justin White, Kendell Brooks, Antoine Booth
Bringing in: Dillon Tatum, Jaden Mangham, Caleb Coley, Ameer Speed (transfer)

Ade Willie (No. 814 nationally, No. 75 CB) is another Spartan defensive back early enrollee. Willie comes from the highly touted IMG Academy in Florida and held 14 offers out of high school. There are no locked-in positions for the Spartans in the defensive backfield after last year’s disastrous showings against the pass, and Willie’s early enrollment will give him an opportunity to see the field.

Unfortunately, there are still 12 players who want the same position, so it will be tough sledding for the Florida native. If Willie wants to see the field, he is another player who will have to earn his playing time through special teams, much like Justin White did last year.

Prediction

Redshirt. The Spartans dedicated so much towards the defensive backfield this offseason, and there is now a logjam of players. That being said, if the same struggles of last season continue, we might see Willie or Coley get a drive or two. All it takes is one drive for a freshman to make an impact, just ask Charles Brantley. Willie is another player bringing length (6-foot-2) to the position, and if utilizes this length, he will be on the field as another shutdown corner in a few years.

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