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Michigan State CBs: Justin Layne leaves program, Josiah Scott to play in Redbox Bowl
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Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio revealed some interesting information regarding two of his cornerbacks when he met with the media on Wednesday.
Justin Layne, who recently announced his decision to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft, has left the program and will not participate in the Spartans’ Redbox Bowl game against Oregon on Dec. 31.
Dantonio said he was “disappointed” that Layne didn’t want to finish the season.
“My philosophy is you finish,” Dantonio said Wednesday. “Doesn’t mean they’re right and I’m wrong. Just a difference in philosophy.”
Layne was a star for Michigan State’s secondary this season. The cornerback recorded 72 tackles and broke up 15 passes in 2018. He also recorded one interception as the Spartans finished 7-5.
But Layne wasn’t the only player with some interesting news Wednesday. Dantonio also said that cornerback Josiah Scott — who spent much of the 2018 season out with injury — will play in the Redbox Bowl. Scott’s participation would be his fifth game played this season, effectively burning the possibility of keeping his redshirt status.
Dantonio said it was Scott’s “wish” to play in the bowl game.
That contradicts what Scott said over a month ago, saying he’d like to keep his redshirt status and would sit out another game. But the cornerback appears to have had a change of heart.
Scott played in the final four games of the season for Michigan State, registering 10 tackles and two interceptions. He broke up three additional passes.
Dantonio’s press conference on Wednesday was primarily designated to speak on Michigan State’s 2019 recruiting class and the prospects that signed their National Letter of Intent.
Layne and Scott certainly stole some of that attention.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB