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Michigan State Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart projections for 2022

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State player celebrate with a touchdown scored by Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
Michigan State player celebrate with a touchdown scored by Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. /
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Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Starters: Cal Haladay, Aaron Brule OR Jacoby Windmon
Backups: Ma’a Gaoteote, Darius Snow

This is probably the one position group that I believe will have the most success on the defensive side of the ball this season and it’s because it’s absolutely loaded.

Michigan State brings back Cal Haladay after a Freshman All-American season in which he finished tied for first on the team in total tackles with 96 and he added five tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two pick-sixes, a pass breakup, and two forced fumbles. He was a disruptive force on defense and a revelation at linebacker. His running mate last year, Quavaris Crouch, opted to transfer this offseason.

That opens up a spot for either Aaron Brule or Jacoby Windmon. There’s talk of Windmon playing a more stand-up edge rusher role which would make sense because he had 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks over the past two seasons with UNLV, but he’s capable of being a starting linebacker in a 4-2-5 scheme as well. He had 119 tackles and two forced fumbles last season.

As for Brule, he was once regarded as a top NFL draft prospect before the 2021 season but somewhat of a letdown last year forced him to return and then transfer over from Mississippi State. He’s capable of being a stud in the middle of the defense and I see him thriving under Mel Tucker.

Ma’a Gaoteote spent a little time in the transfer portal following the season but opted to return where he will be a more than capable backup. Next year will be his time to shine as a starter. He’ll be joined by former safety Darius Snow who converted to linebacker this offseason. He also possesses star qualities and it’ll be interesting to see how he’s used on defense.

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