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Mel Tucker focusing on details with MSU secondary: ‘Success is measured in inches’
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Mel Tucker needs his secondary to be much better this season, that much is evident.
Michigan State gave up a lot of yards in 2021. Overall, the Spartans allowed 4,222 passing yards (324.8 yards per game). Michigan State was dead last in passing defense in the entire country out of 130 teams.
Things can only go up from here! Que head coach Mel Tucker in to help out. In fall camp, Tucker has been working hands-on with the defensive backs to get the unit right.
Tucker on working with CBs: "Especially at that position, success is measured in inches."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 15, 2022
Considering the grass Michigan State gave up, Tucker is looking for any sort of positivity. Anything can be considered an improvement when you finish at the very bottom, right?
The Spartans are led by fifth-year senior safety Xavier Henderson on the defensive side of the ball. Henderson started 13 games in 2021 and is a four-year letter winner. He leads all active Spartans with 235 tackles and has recorded 13.5 tackles for loss in 46 career games. Henderson is also listed on the preseason watch list for the Nagurski Trophy (the nation’s best defensive player).
In addition to key returners, Michigan State also added Edge Khris Bogle (Florida) to improve the pass rush and veteran cornerback Ameer Speed (Georgia) to help the secondary.
Will Henderson’s experience and leadership make a difference? Fans will soon find out as Michigan State takes the field against Western Michigan on Sept. 2.