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Michigan State Football: 5 players who must step up following suspensions

By Emmett Matasovsky

Oct 29, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker on the sideline in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State coach Mel Tucker on the sidelines during Michigan’s 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Msumich 102922 Kd 0014580
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker on the sidelines during Michigan’s 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Msumich 102922 Kd 0014580 /

4. A.J. Kirk Jr., S

A.J. Kirk Jr. is the next player who I believe has a chance to show out in the upcoming month. The secondary, which has already had its far share of struggles this season, was hit hard with suspensions due to the post game altercations. Khary Crump, Justin White, Angelo Grose, and freshman Malcolm Jones all will be unable to practice or play for the Spartans for the foreseeable future.

Grose has started the past few seasons for the Spartans at safety, while White has seen playing time at safety in the past when the Spartans lost players due to injury. Jaden Mangham, Kendell Brooks, and Xavier Henderson have each had their own injuries to deal with this year. Darius Snow, a former nickel, is out for the year due to injury, further hampering the Spartans.

I could have chosen Mangham or Kendell Brooks to write about in this slot, but I would prefer to highlight other players the Spartan fans have not gotten the chance to see as well as concerns over nagging injuries.

Kirk has one career assisted tackle this season, coming in the Spartan blowout of Akron. With the injuries and suspensions that this season has brought, I would not rule against seeing more of No. 40 in the month of November.

A.J. Kirk came into the program as the No. 583 prospect in the class of 2021 and ranked the 20th best player in the state of Ohio. At one point, Kirk was thought to be an Ohio State lock, but the Spartans ended up with the Columbus native over the likes of Michigan, Florida, Notre Dame, and the Buckeyes. His offer list shows that a lot of schools believed in his talent, and now is the time for Kirk.

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