An early projection of Michigan State’s depth chart on defense and special teams
Updated Feb 17, 2021;
Posted Feb 17, 2021
Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson (3) runs to the locker room for halftime of their Big Ten football game against Indiana at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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Michigan State’s defense already faced a significant challenge.
The Spartans lost seven starters on that side of the ball – six of them three-year starters – from the 2019 team.
The process of retooling the defense came with additional complications as Mark Dantonio retired after 13 seasons leading the program and Mel Tucker was hired as his replacement. Like Dantonio, Tucker is a former defensive back and secondary coach by trade who worked under Nick Saban.
Recapping Mel Tucker’s first Michigan State recruiting class with hits, misses and top positions
Updated Feb 08, 2021;
Posted Feb 07, 2021
Avon QB Niko Pappas (18) gets sacked by Hoban DB AJ Kirk (1) during first half action at Byers Field in Parma in the game between Archbishop Hoban vs Avon, Div II Semifinals, November 13, 2020.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
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One recruit lost, another gained.
That was the result for Michigan State coach Mel Tucker on Wednesday, the first day of the traditional signing period for the 2021 class.
Rayshaun Benny, a four-star defensive tackle from Oak Park High School, flipped his commitment from Michigan State and signed with Michigan on Wednesday. Three hours later, Keon Coleman, a three-star wide receiver from Opelousas Catholic School in Louisiana, signed with the Spartans.
5 positions Michigan State could boost with transfer additions
Updated Jan 28, 2021;
Posted Jan 28, 2021
Michigan State coach Mel Tucker looks on in the first quarter of their Big Ten football game against Indiana at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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And the Michigan State coach’s aggressive approach already paid off with roster additions.
There were six transfers added to the program as midyear enrollees earlier this month in quarterback Anthony Russo (Temple), offensive lineman Jarrett Horst (Arkansas State), defensive end Drew Jordan (Duke), running back Kenneth Walker III (Wake Forest), safety Kendall Brooks (Division II North Greenville University) and walk-on defensive back Spencer Rowland (Division III Wheaton College). Harold Joiner, a running back transfer from Auburn who committed to the Spartans in December, was not among those who enrolled for the spring semest
Mel Tucker and Michigan State had to ‘fight’ Oklahoma for OL, not done looking to add transfers
Updated Jan 22, 2021;
Posted Jan 21, 2021
Wake Forest running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs while North Carolina linebacker Chris Collins (17) looks for the tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)AP
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Michigan State expanded its roster last weekend with 10 midyear additions.
The group featured four early enrollees from the 2021 recruiting class and six transfer additions, including one walk-on transfer.
Coach Mel Tucker, who is coming off his first season leading the Spartans, also made it clear the program isn’t done adding to the team ahead of next season through both incoming recruits and the transfer portal.
Michigan State’s early enrollees and transfers arrive with a few surprises
Updated Jan 17, 2021;
Posted Jan 17, 2021
Wake Forest running back Kenneth Walker III (9) carries the ball against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)AP
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Early enrollees in the 2021 recruiting class are now with the program and are joined transfer additions.
Quarterback Anthony Russo (Temple), offensive lineman Jarrett Horst (Arkansas State), defensive end Drew Jordan (Duke) and running back Kenneth Walker III (Wake Forest) – who all committed to Michigan State since Dec. 16 – are officially enrolled the university, a program spokesman confirmed on Sunday. Additionally, defensive back Kendall Brooks from Division II North Greenville University in South Carolina, is now with the Spartans and is on scholarship.