Thursday’s Big Ten Network stop in East Lansing gave fans their latest look at Michigan State football in fall camp, and Dave Revsine’s read on the Spartans landed on one area fast: depth.
The BTN studio host said the defense has some real headliners, pointing to linebacker Jordan Hall and edge rusher Kenny Soares, but he also made clear where the worry lives. In his view, Michigan State’s biggest concern is what happens beyond those top names, especially along the front.
“Depth on defense - particularly up front - feels like biggest concern. Still - a group that has some star power - led by LB Jordan Hall (5) along with edge Kenny Soares pic.twitter.com/15go5aOip4”
That assessment fits what has haunted Michigan State for years. The Spartans have been short on defensive line depth and, more broadly, short on reliable bodies across that side of the ball. Injuries have repeatedly taken a toll, and without much margin for error, even a small setback could create problems.
At linebacker, the group has some intrigue, but it’s also easy to see why Revsine flagged the concern. Hall is joined by DiMari Malone, Brady Pretzlaff, Caleb Wheatland, DeJae White, Dion Crawford, Cam Stodghill, and Adam Shaw, with much of the experience coming through the transfer portal. That makes the room look different, but not necessarily proven, and some of those additions came from the Group of Five level.
Up front, Michigan State has bodies, but not much in the way of experience. Soares is the anchor on the edge, with Trey Lisle, Keahnist Thompson, Anelu Lafaele, Isaac Smith, and Kekai Burnett also in the mix. Inside, the room is even thinner now that Alex VanSumeren is gone, leaving Mikeshun Beeler, Ben Roberts, Eli Coenen, and Derrick Simmons to carry the load.
The secondary appears to be in better shape. Nikai Martinez, Tre Bell, Charles Brantley, Devin Vaught, Aveon Grose, Khalil Majeed, Caleb Gash, and Michael Richard all stand out in that group.
There’s no shortage of names on the roster, but the question is whether Michigan State has enough proven depth to survive the grind. Joe Rossi and Max Bullough have plenty to sort through.
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