Top 5 Big Ten Position Battles Heading Into Spring Practice

Nov 22, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Demetrious Cox (7) reacts to a play during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

5. Michigan State Spartans-Cornerback

Mark Dantonio spent this past year having trouble the entire time trying to adequately replace his losses at linebacker from the year before.

Now, while the loss of safety Kurtis Drummond appears to be replaceable, cornerback Trae Waynes’s early departure to the NFL has left a wide open spot in the Spartans’ secondary. And it appears to be coming down to Demetrious Cox, who played safety a good bit last year, or Darian Hicks to be the top cornerback.

Both are juniors, and both will play significantly, but who is going to be asked to shut down the top receiver on the other team? Cox can always move back to safety if he does not get the job, but Hicks appears to be just a cornerback.

Does Hicks’s experience make him more suited to be the top cornerback. The No. 1 cornerback is the toughest and most important position in the secondary, and it is certainly where you want your best player. Cox had no interceptions last year but shut down players while on the field and is certainly more versatile.

But Hicks may be better suited for cornerback. We’ll find out more about this in the spring.

Next: No. 4 Ranked Big Ten Position Battle