Michigan State football: First-look 2019 depth chart projections

Defense depth chart projections

Notable Losses: Justin Layne has moved on to the NFL and will leave big shoes to fill as he was a huge part of Michigan State’s success in the secondary. Also, Andrew Dowell and Khari Willis who were both multi-year starters have graduated so someone will have to step up and replace their veteran leadership.

DE: Kenny Willekes, Senior (RS) / Jack Camper, Sophmore (RS)

DT: Mike Panasiuk, Senior / Jacob Slade, Sophmore

NT: Raequan Williams, Senior (RS) / Naquan Jones, Junior (RS)

DE Jacub Panasiuk, Junior / Drew Beesley, Junior (RS)

Willekes and Williams deciding to come back for their senior years was huge and puts this d-line in position to be just as successful as the 2018 version. They were the number one rush defense in the nation according to Football Outsiders S&P+. The Panasiuk brothers round out the starting four with some decent depth in Camper, Beesley, and Jones. Someone will have to emerge for that second defensive tackle spot, but at the moment we’ll give the nod to Jacob Slade who D’Antonio has highlighted in the past.

Star: Antjuan Simmons, Junior / Jeslord Boateng, Sophmore

Mike: Joe Bachie, Senior / Chase Kline, Sophmore

Sam: Tyriq Thompson, Senior (RS) / Brandon Bouyer-Randle Sophmore (RS)

Bachie returning after being All-Big Ten last season was another huge boost for this defense, and he will once again be the anchor of the group. They do have to replace second-leading tackler Andrew Dowell, but Simmons has been preparing to take over. And even though Thompson will likely get the starting nod, Bouyer-Randle played a good amount last season and should see the field more in 2019.

CB: Josiah Scott, Junior / Tre Person, Junior

FS: David Dowell, Senior (RS) / Dominique Long, Junior

SS: Xavier Henderson, Sophmore / Michael Dowell, Freshman (RS)

CB: Josh Butler, Senior (RS) / Shakur Brown Sophmore (RS)

With Layne gone to the NFL, Josiah Scott will now assume the role of the lead dog in the secondary.  After missing a good amount of 2018 due to injuries, Scott returned the final five games and was great even taking home the defensive MVP in the Redbox Bowl. Expect him to travel with the best receivers next year and perhaps catch the eyes of some NFL scouts as a nickel corner. The opposite corner spot is more up for grabs, but Butler being a senior gives him a slight edge. However, guys like Brown, Person, Kalon Gervin, and incoming freshman Julian Barnett could all be battling for playing time. David Dowell is back for his third year as a starter at free safety, but the position next to him is also up for grabs. Henderson played in all 13 games as a freshman last year, so he looks to be a natural choice, but David’s brother Michael Dowell could get some run too.

Special Teams

KR: Darrel Stewart Jr

PR: Jalen Nailor

K: Matt Coughlin

P: Jake Hartbarger

Heyward was the primary kick returner in 2018, but perhaps they could look to replace him with someone like Stewart Jr who is more dynamic. Nailor should probably take over at both return spots just as a way to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. But the coaches might see that as too much if he becomes a starting wide receiver. Coughlin returns as the placekicker and did a good job in 2018 going 18-22 on field goals and a perfect 25-25 and extra points. Things were not so smooth at the punter position due to injuries, but Hartbarger was given a medical redshirt and will return for his sixth season.