Michigan State Football: Early look at top 2023 NFL Draft prospects

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 safety Xavier Henderson (3) celebrates a tackle against Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) during the second half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. /

I’m a firm believer that Xavier Henderson could be a Khari Willis-type safety with a breakout season to end his Michigan State career.

Willis flourished in the green and white and finished his Michigan State career on top and earned himself a fourth-round NFL draft selection in 2019. Henderson could have the same fate after the 2022 season.

Henderson had a big season in 2019 as a sophomore, recording 83 total tackles, two tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and two interceptions. He took a step back, stats-wise, in 2020 because of a shortened season, but everyone expected 2021 to be his last year and he even said so himself, but the secondary struggled mightily and his stock took a bit of a hit.

However, he did finish with a career-best 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He added an interception and two pass breakups, but he still has to show he can defend against the pass because no one doubts his ability to tackle.

If Michigan State churns out another Willis, I’d like to think that’ll be Henderson.

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