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Michigan State secondary coach Harlon Barnett addresses last season’s struggles, this spring is a ‘totally different room’
By Keith Farner
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Michigan State finished dead last in the country last season in pass defense, as the Spartans allowed 324.8 yards per game. And that’s something secondary coach Harlon Barnett is aware of and not making excuses about this spring.
“It is what it is … Let’s see if we can improve this year,” Barnett said, and added that he likes the setup where he’s working more with safeties and Mel Tucker with cornerbacks. That’s the same way Nick Saban has done it over the years, he noted.
Barnett said it’s a totally different room from last year when the Spartans were shorthanded at this time last year. And with a dose of optimism, Barnett added that the 4 early-enrolled freshmen — CB Ade Willie/Caleb Coley, S Jaden Mangham/Dillon Tatum — have the type of talent and attention to detail that could force their way onto the field this fall.
As for a key returner, Barnett said Charles Brantley, who dealt with a shoulder injury last season, still can’t have contact in practice and that’s difficult for him.
Barnett offered a positive update about A.J. Kirk, who was hurt last fall as a freshman and didn’t get as many reps. “He’s coming along,” the coach said.
H/T Chris Solari and Matt Charboneau.
Keith Farner has written about college football for newspapers and web sites since 2005.