Michigan State Football: Ranking all transfers for the 2021 season
By Ryan Kay
player. 852. . . . Itayvion Brown. 6
Info: Player profile
Former team: Minnesota
Eligibility: Four years
Position: Linebacker
High school recruiting rating: 4-star
Expected role: Compete for starting job at one of the linebacker positions
Michigan State did well convincing linebackers to believe in Mel Tucker and his staff’s vision. One of those linebackers who chose East Lansing as his new home was Itayvion Brown who has an enormous amount of potential as a redshirt freshman. He can compete for one of the starting linebacker positions this season as he is already familiar with the Big Ten and has the size and talent to start right away.
It’s true that he doesn’t have much experience but he can have a very promising college career with Michigan State.
. Anthony Russo. 5. player. 885. .
Info: Player profile
Former team: Temple
Eligibility: One year
Position: Quarterback
High school recruiting rating: 3-star
His expected role this season: Compete for QB1
Two of the most interesting questions entering the offseason were which quarterbacks would hit the portal and would the Spartans get a big-time quarterback to transfer in? The answer would be that two scholarship quarterbacks left and Michigan State received a commitment from Temple quarterback Anthony Russo. Many Michigan State fans are intrigued to see if Russo will win the starting job for the season opener.
For the most part, Michigan State has endured subpar quarterback play over the past few seasons. However, Russo’s main competition, Payton Thorne, has the support of a decent amount of fans.
Prior to transferring to Michigan State, Russo had 26 starts as the quarterback of the Owls. Similar to Michigan State great Connor Cook, he has the measurables as he is listed at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds. He had a not-so-bad spring game performance and his main highlight came when he connected with Jayden Reed on a long touchdown pass.
It looks to be a two-person completion for the starting quarterback spot with him and Thorne but Russo would not shock many if he was named QB1 against Northwestern in the season opener.
840. . . . Chester Kimbrough. 4. player
Info: Player profile
Former team: Florida
Eligibility: Two years with the possibility of playing a third year
Position: Cornerback
High school recruiting rating: 3-star
Expected role: Become a starter at one of the cornerback positions
As mentioned earlier, cornerbacks with experience while playing at a Power Five school were a top priority for Tucker and his staff when looking at players in the portal this offseason. Chester Kimbrough played cornerback at Florida against SEC competition. Tucker realized the need to add a player like Kimbrough in hopes of having him start at one of the cornerback positions this fall.
Kimbrough played two seasons with the Gators and more than likely came to Michigan State for the opportunity for more playing time and to start for the Spartans. Michigan State’s top needs were getting players who were going to compete for both cornerback positions and Kimbrough showed glimpses of what he is capable of at Florida. He’s a reliable, talented, and solid cornerback. Without any doubt, he is a key addition to the defense for years to come.