MSU Red Cedar Message Board

Think it'll be interesting to see what MSU does in the nickelback package. Williamson would be a good candidate assuming Drummond wins the starting free safety spot, but that's not a given at this point. Also think Trae Waynes will earn some playing time and that could be a nice role for him depending on whether or not the Spartans bring a corner or safety on the field for 3rd-and-long situations.

What about Jairus Jones? He beat Lewis out for the SS spot before his injury, and Lewis ended up being a stud. I wonder how Jones will see this field.

As an older player it will probably be tough considering Drummond and Williamson's emergence, but there was a lot of positive talk on Jones before the injury and he seemed to recovery pretty quickly. Another player to keep an eye on in fall camp.

Remember in 2009 when State had 10 DBs that everyone thought "could play" . . . and it just didn't work out?

Right now I feel great about 6 guys: Adams, Lewis, Dennard, Drummond, Williamson and Jairus Jones.

State will probably net a solid back-up CB out of the White/Hicks/Waynes/Colquhoun group, maybe 2.

I feel much better with 6-7 solid guys who know their roles than 10 guys just muddling around.

I see Cox as more of a situational/special teams contributor this season poised to take over when Lewis departs. Could be wrong and Dantonio has no problem playing true freshmen if they're good enough. Definitely one of the most intriguing newcomers to watch and it wouldn't surprise me if he worked his way into the two-deep early.