MSU Football Burning Question: Who will be Spartans’ top defensive playmaker this season?

Who will lead the Spartans’ defense in 2021 and stand out as the unit’s top playmaker? The Spartans Wire staff take a look at numerous guys that could be game-changers for a group looking to rebound in 2021.

With the Michigan State 2021 season set to kick off next week, the Spartans Wire staff is offering up their thoughts and insight on numerous hot topics and burning questions surrounding the team. That includes a look at Michigan State’s defense and who could potentially stand out as the team’s top defensive playmaker.

Here’s who the Spartans Wire staff thinks will have a big season for the Michigan State defense:

Andrew Brewster

Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Quavaris Crouch (LB)

Crouch comes into MSU as one of their most athletic players in years. Even though he is raw he is so physically gifted that I think he will be creating chaos and making plays all over the field.

Cory Linsner

Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Xavier Henderson (S)

Entering his third season as a starter, Henderson brings a level of consistency to the MSU defense that is unmatched. He will continue to be one of the best players this team has on the defensive side of the ball.

Robert Bondy

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Xavier Henderson (S)

Henderson will lead the secondary for the Spartans and should become the backbone, consistent defensive star on this year's squad -- similar to what linebacker Antjuan Simmons was last year. Henderson finished 2020 third in tackles, and should again be one of the team's leaders in that category. There are a number of new transfers -- such as previously mentioned Crouch or linebacker/edge rusher Itayvion Brown -- who could end up being the squad's top defensive playmaker. But I'm going to again go with consistency over flashy, and that's something Henderson will bring to this year's unit.

Other Preseason Burning Questions

Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Here are the other burning questions the Spartans Wire staff is addressing prior to the season kicking off: -Who will be Michigan State's starting quarterback this season? CLICK HERE -Who will be the Spartans’ top offensive threat this season? CLICK HERE -Who’s an under-the-radar player that'll have a breakout season? CLICK HERE

Upcoming Burning Questions:

-What's considered a successful season in year two of Mel Tucker era? -Who is Michigan State most likely to upset: Miami (FL), Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State or Penn State? -How many games does Michigan State win this season?

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