Michigan State is down to its last couple of days of fall camp and that means Toledo game prep is right around the corner. To prepare, Pat Fitzgerald is going to have to figure out his depth chart.
The first depth chart of the Fitzgerald era is sure to come with some controversy seeing as there are still so many open spots up for grabs. There aren’t many sure starters on the defensive side of the ball not named Kenny Soares Jr., Jordan Hall, or Nikai Martinez, but the depth chart is really starting to take shape.
Max Bullough and Joe Rossi will have some talent to work with, but they’re going to have to get a little creative, like continuing to implement a 4-2-5 defense much to the chagrin of some fans.
The only way it can go is up after a forgettable Jonathan Smith era, though.
What could Fitzgerald’s first defense look like next weekend against Toledo?
Defensive Line
Starters: Kenny Soares (DE), Ben Roberts (DT), Eli Coenen (DT), Keahnist Thompson (DE)
Backups: Kekai Burnett (DE), Derrick Simmons (DT), Mikeshun Beeler (DT), Anelu Lafaele (DE)
For years, Michigan State’s defensive line has failed to do its job. It’s been one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster and Smith did very little to address it. Fortunately, Fitzgerald reached into the portal and picked up three transfers who’ll begin the season with the ones.
Soares is the obvious starter on one end and he’ll be a pass-rushing specialist, and Ben Roberts returns as the veteran up front. Illinois transfer Eli Coenen is someone who’s been receiving a lot of praise from the staff and some members in the media who’ve taken note at practice, and Weber State transfer Keahnist Thompson was named to the Reese’s Bowl watch list and he’s really the most notable remaining defensive end.
Kekai Burnett and Anelu Lafaele are going to cause problems on the edge off the bench and everyone should be buying Derrick Simmons stock. Mikeshun Beeler is a name that’s been mentioned as a breakout candidate for years, so this has to be the one.
Linebacker
Starters: Jordan Hall, Caleb Wheatland
Backups: Brady Pretzlaff, Dion Crawford
While the linebacker room is one of the least worrisome positions on the roster, it’s actually not one of the deepest. This is a very solid, but compact, room and it’s led by an All-Big Ten candidate in Jordan Hall as well as a couple of solid transfers, most notably Auburn’s Caleb Wheatland. These two are penciled in as starters in a 4-2-5 defensive scheme that will play to Michigan State’s strengths.
Behind Hall and Wheatland should be Brady Pretzlaff, who’s been receiving a ton of praise this summer, as well as Buffalo transfer Dion Crawford.
While there aren’t 6-8 starting-caliber linebackers on the roster this year, there’s really impressive talent and experience leading the way which is just as important. It’s worth noting that I’m a majority stock owner in the trio of freshmen linebackers (Adam Shaw, DiMari Malone (RS), and DeJae White (RS).
Secondary
Starters: Charles Brantley (CB), Nikai Martinez (S), Devin Vaught (S), Michael Richard (Nickel), Tre Bell (CB)
Backups: Tyran Chappell (CB), Aveon Grose (S), Khalil Majeed (S), Tyran Chappell (Nickel), Keshawn Williams (CB)
While James Adams told the media on Wednesday that he loves the depth that he has in the defensive backfield, the cornerback spot is concerning.
Michigan State just doesn’t have enough depth at cornerback to really make anyone feel comfortable, but the starters should be really solid. Charles Brantley is back after a one-year stint at Miami and he is trying to channel his inner 2024 self. If he does, that secondary will be close to lockdown, especially with Tre Bell on the other side. He followed cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat from Iowa State. That’s a really good tandem. Behind them, Tyran Chappell is a starting-caliber corner and he can also play nickel. Keshawn Williams is proof that depth is lacking.
Maybe one of the freshman corners can step up?
At nickel, Michael Richard seemingly fits the bill there. The staff will have to decide whether to go with him or Chappell, but the latter seems better suited for his natural cornerback position anyway.
Nikai Martinez and Devin Vaught are the no-brainer starters at safety, but if either of them go down with an injury this year, Michigan State could be in trouble. The depth in the secondary just isn’t what it needs to be yet, and that’s OK for Year 1.
Let’s just hope the starters stay healthy.
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