Michigan State football: Power ranking defensive position groups for 2023

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 09 : Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 31-13. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 15: Angelo Grose #15 of the Michigan State Spartans tackles Chimere Dike #13 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

4. Safeties

While I could have lumped the safeties and corners into one group, I decided to separate them because I think it’s important to show that this group could be the key in whether Michigan State bounces back this year.

One of the biggest changes will be having both Angelo Grose (suspension last four games) and Jaden Mangham (never was the same after the OSU injury) for full seasons. Grose looks to be the leader of the secondary with 25 starts already under his belt, however, filling the void left by Xavier Henderson is going to be a tall task.

Having Henderson in the room as a coach should have helped this group grow, especially with all the young talent including Malik Spencer who missed the first seven games with an injury but looked poised when called on late in the season.

Like the cornerbacks, an incoming transfer from a winning program in Armorion Smith (Cincinnati) will also add much needed talent and depth.

By no means will the secondary be elite, but let’s take a baby step and hope they look competent against Big Ten competition this year, which could go a long way for this team.

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