Michigan State Football: 3 reasons for optimism after spring 2022

2. The defense is shaping up to be much improved

If there was one area that was disappointing last season for the 11-2 Spartans, it would have to be the defense. Despite having some great coaches on that side of the ball, the Spartans had the worst pass defense in college football and couldn’t seem to ever get on track.

The linebackers were solid for the most part, led by Cal Haladay, but Quavaris Crouch never really lived up to his potential there. The defensive line was also solid but not dominant.

What did Mel Tucker do to address these shortcomings? He landed a solid recruiting class that hit on all the needs (Alex VanSumeren on the line and Caleb Coley at cornerback) and picked up some solid transfers in the linebacking corps, on the line, and in the secondary.

Michigan State might have one of the best linebacking corps in the nation for next season after adding Aaron Brule and Jacoby Windmon and retaining Ma’a Gaoteote who thought about transferring. Haladay also returns along with Darius Snow who made the move from nickel and this unit is going to be a nightmare for opposing offenses.

The secondary added Ameer Speed and brings back a healthy Charles Brantley. Combine them with Xavier Henderson, Coley, Marqui Lowery, Ronald Williams, Chester Kimbrough, Angelo Grose, Jaden Mangham, and Dillon Tatum and you have a deep, talented group that will undoubtedly improve.

Lastly, the line added VanSumeren who was the top recruit in the Spartans’ 2022 class, and Khris Bogle from the transfer portal out of Florida. Jeff Pietrowski was a breakout performer last year and Brandon Wright figures to break out this season on the edge. Getting Brandon Jordan and Marco Coleman to replace Ron Burton was also a massive win.

This defense should be leaps and bounds better than last year.