Projecting defensive starters for Michigan State football in 2024

Nickel: Angelo Grose

I wanted to throw in nickel on this list as well because there’s a great chance Michigan State’s defense will use it a lot this season. And who better to be the starter at nickel than the player with the most experience on the roster at the position?

Angelo Grose is entering his fifth and final season at Michigan State and has already put together a pretty solid resume. He has played in 40 games throughout his career which includes 35 starts. Of those starts, 21 were at safety and 14 were at nickel. Based on the number of starts Grose has amassed, he’s a pretty easy selection.

His career stats also show why he is an easy pick to be the nickel starter as well. So far in his career, Grose has totaled 231 tackles which includes eight tackles for loss and half a sack. He’s also accumulated 18 pass breakups, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

So while there are a ton of question marks surrounding the defense (and secondary as a whole) Grose as the starting nickelback is not one of them. Also, expect to see him a lot in other positions on the secondary as well this season.