Michigan State football: Can Spartans get back to contending under Mel Tucker?

MSU hoping there’s no drop-off on defense under Mel Tucker

For most of Mark Dantonio’s tenure in East Lansing, the Spartans fielded an elite defense that was consistently at the top of the Big Ten. The defense finished ranked 18th last year, but Michigan State is losing four All-Big Ten performers from their defense last season, including stud pass rusher Kenny Willekes.

The defensive line could be the strong point of this defense and will be anchored by Jacub Pansiuk, who was tied for second on the team in sacks last season with five. Naquan Jones and Jacob Slade should make a seamless transition to full-time starters on the interior of the line. I expect this unit to still be one of the Big Ten’s best.

There’s no question who is the leader of the linebacking corps and the entire defense and that is senior Antjuan Simmons. He led the Spartans in tackles last season with 90 and Simmons also added 3.5 sacks and an interception. Expect another great season from Simmons after breaking out last year. Joining Simmons at the second level of the defense will be Noah Harvey, who does have some experience, but will be counted on to be a full-time starter now. The other linebacking spot will be manned by Luke Fulton, who is a younger player who the staff thinks very highly of.

The secondary will likewise have an unquestioned leader and it will be junior safety Xavier Henderson, who is one of the most underrated defensive backs in the entire country. Henderson had a breakout year in 2019 with 83 total tackles and two interceptions and will be looking for more in 2020.

Shakur Brown will be the most experienced cornerback on the team and he will have to replace Josiah Scott, who was a fourth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This unit might be the shakiest on the defense, but Mel Tucker has a reputation as a secondary coach so that should ease the concerns of Spartan fans.