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

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 Spartans, Xavier Henderson, Mandatory Credit: Lansing State Journal /

Prior to the 2021 season, Xavier Henderson alluded to it being his last in East Lansing.

After a disappointing year for Michigan State’s pass defense, Henderson decided to return to Michigan State to improve his stock and lead the Spartans back to a potential New Year’s Six bowl and potentially Big Ten title contention.

And it’s not like Henderson played poorly in 2021. Not even close. Actually, he was the most consistent defender for the Spartans in the defensive backfield, finishing with a career-high 96 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, a pick, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. He was all over the place when it seemed like no one else was in the secondary.

Henderson returns as the leader of the defense and arguably one of the top safeties in the Big Ten and one of the most experienced and proven in college football.

In four years, he has 235 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, three picks, and eight pass breakups. He’s absolutely going to be an All-American candidate in 2022 if he continues to improve like he has.

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