Jonathan Smith isn't messing around this offseason. The second-year Michigan State football coach has now gone out and landed a third defensive back transfer following spring ball.
First, it was Anthony Pinnace who came over from UTSA after transferring there from a JUCO in the winter. Then, it was freshman safety Tracy Revels from Bowling Green who committed to the Spartans. That bolstered the safety position that just lost Dillon Tatum to Northwestern.
On Tuesday, another defensive back committed to Michigan State.
This time, it was East Carolina cornerback Dontavius Nash who picked the Spartans after beginning his career at North Carolina and then transferring to ECU for the past two seasons.
Let’s do it!!! @ColeMoore1991 pic.twitter.com/YptX7eZA17
— Dee Nash (@DontaviusNash21) May 6, 2025
At North Carolina, Nash didn't play a ton, appearing in just nine total games with two tackles. He was a former four-star recruit in the 2021 class so he expected to have a larger role, but that just never panned out.
After transferring to ECU, he was much more productive.
In 2023, Nash played starter's snaps, totaling 34 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pick-six, and a pass breakup in 12 games. The following season, he had 24 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pick, and two pass breakups. He figures to have a decent role in East Lansing as the secondary could use some help.
Despite losing Demetrice Martin back to the West Coast this offseason, Smith has done a good job with the secondary and adding pieces that can contribute in 2025 and beyond. Nash feels like a good fit and a player who could crack the two-deep at cornerback.
Major areas of need are being addressed. This is a breath of fresh air.