Michigan State’s defensive back room has a familiar face helping steer the transition in 2026, and James Adams says the unit is already showing the kind of flexibility the staff wants.
Adams, who stayed on when Pat Fitzgerald took over the Spartans, met with the media on Wednesday and laid out the priorities for his safeties group. The message was simple: create turnovers, limit points, and give the offense the ball back.
“We want to stop the score and a big part of that is taking the football away and giving it back to our offense. We are always looking for opportunities.”
Adams also pointed to leadership inside the room, with Martinez setting the tone for younger players.
“He [Martinez] has always been a general in our room. He’s flying around, making plays on the ball. The younger guys follow him.”
Vaught, meanwhile, has impressed Adams with the kind of day-to-day work that doesn’t always show up right away on Saturdays.
“He’s [Vaught] another guy who just shows up and works. He’s asking questions, taking notes.
He will text or call me in the evening with questions on the install. He’s always working his craft.”
A big part of camp has been cross-training, with players moving between corner and nickel to build depth and keep the defense adaptable.
“There are guys cross training at both corner and nickel. I really think it’s good for them. Those guys have really taken on the responsibility to be that X-factor.”
Adams said the staff feels good about the group’s ability to handle multiple roles, especially with limited reps available in camp.
“It’s really good. We got playable guys and only so many reps.
I think one thing the guys have done well with is being able to play multiple positions. We feel really good about them being able to go into the game and execute at a high level.”
He also singled out Mike Richard for what he’s done in the slot and nickel spot.
“Mike Richard, he’s done a phenomenal job playing in that slot/nickel position”
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