Michigan State Football: 3 defensive breakout candidates for spring 2022

Spring ball is underway for Michigan State football so which defensive breakout candidates should we be keeping an eye on?

Defense wasn’t exactly the strong suit of Michigan State football in its breakout 2021 season, but it wasn’t for a lack of talent.

The secondary fell short of expectations but it feels like the right pieces are there for a bounce-back and Xavier Henderson returns for one final season as the leader. The linebackers bulked up with the additions of Jacoby Windmon and Aaron Brule and the defensive line should also be stacked and the coaching improves with Marco Coleman and Brandon Jordan joining the staff.

Spring ball is upon us and the defensive side of the ball will be under a magnifying glass. Which Spartan defenders could break out this spring?

I had to include the Spartans’ star incoming freshman on this list because I truly believe that Alex VanSumeren could have a large impact on the defensive outlook for 2022.

The line is losing some key pieces, but I think that with Brandon Jordan and Marco Coleman bringing new life to the position group, guys with elite potential are going to have monster seasons. VanSumeren’s potential is through the roof and having him on campus early is only going to help him become a major contributor for Michigan State.

Will he have a large role in 2022? It’s hard to say, especially with Simeon Barrow, Jacob Slade, Jalen Hunt, Dashaun Mallory, and Maverick Hansen coming back. I think he very well could become a two-deep contributor.

VanSumeren has a ton to gain this spring and I think he could surprise some people.