Michigan State Football: 5 storylines to follow in spring 2022

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Michigan State cornerback Chester Kimbrough runs a drill during practice on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the indoor football facility in East Lansing.220329 Msu Fb Practice 051a /

2. Secondary avoiding repeat of 2021 nightmare

Michigan State’s secondary was bad last season. OK, bad is probably an understatement, it was a nightmare.

The staff brought in some quality pieces (on paper) in Chester Kimbrough and Ronald Williams from the transfer portal and Charles Brantley with the 2021 class, but it didn’t seem to be enough as the Spartans allowed the most yards per game through the air in the Power Five. It was a complete disaster and just about everyone not named Xavier Henderson underperformed.

Angelo Grose was supposed to have a big season and was a little underwhelming, Williams had his moments but wasn’t consistent enough and Kimbrough really struggled. Brantley suffered a season-ending injury, but he did help seal the win over Michigan.

Now the staff has Ameer Speed on campus along with Williams, Kimbrough, Brantley, Marqui Lowery, and Khary Crump back at corner and Henderson, Darius Snow (also playing linebacker), and Grose at safety. Add in a guy like Caleb Coley who I believe could be a star at corner and Jaden Mangham and Dillon Tatum at safety and there’s plenty of talent.

The defensive backfield isn’t lacking talent, but will that be enough to turn things around for Harlon Barnett’s group instantly? We’ll get a good idea this spring.

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