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Michigan State Football: Top 5 All-American candidates for 2022

By Connor Muldowney

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
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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Mel Tucker just produced his first All-American with Michigan State football in 2021, but he could add to that list with these guys.

Kenneth Walker III became Mel Tucker’s first All-American selection in 2021 and he surely won’t be the last. Michigan State football is stocking up on talent and it could surprise some folks this upcoming season.

Tucker landed plenty of talent in the transfer portal that will help the Spartans replicate the success they had in 2021 and even some guys who could be All-Americans.

Realistically, one or two Spartans might actually be named All-Americans this upcoming season but there are a handful of candidates and here are my current favorites.

Phil Steele actually named Bryce Baringer an honorable mention All-American after the impressive 2021 season that he had.

In fact, Baringer set a single-season school record with an average of 48.4 yards per punt and, according to msuspartans.com, it was the second-best average in Big Ten history, He was fifth in the nation in average and he was a second-team All-Big Ten selection.

Baringer returns for a sixth year and he should be one of the best punters in all of college football and probably the best in the Big Ten. If he continues to improve and nail that coffin-corner punt, he’s going to both help Michigan State win the field position battle and earn some major personal accolades.

Don’t be shocked if he and/or Jayden Reed are named All-Americans on special teams.

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