Why these transfer cornerbacks locked down starting jobs at Michigan State

MSU vs WMU week 1

EAST LANSING – Michigan State rotated heavily in its opener, using 35 different defenders who logged snaps last week.

The rotation, however, wasn’t as deep at the cornerback spot.

Two transfer additions – Joshua Eaton and Malcolm Bell – earned starts and handled most of the corner reps in the Spartans’ 23-6 win over Western Michigan.

“They clearly proved themselves during camp,” coach Jonathan Smith said. “They’ve both got some age and college experience, which helps in a first game.”

Eaton, a sixth-year veteran who began at Oklahoma and later played at Texas State, looked ready to claim a top role for MSU. At 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds, he’s aiming to close out his final season strong at a Power 4 school. Bell, 6-2 and 188 pounds, hails from Montreal and played four years at UConn. Both joined the Spartans in winter and combined for 39 of 58 total defensive snaps against the Broncos.

“I think they’re both quality players,” secondary coach Blue Adams said. “They’ve got length, speed, cover skills, they tackle, they’re tough. They spend extra time in the film room. That’s the kind of mindset you want when new guys quickly get involved and help right away.”

Eaton’s Spartan debut put him in the spotlight on the very first play against WMU. He had tight coverage, but Brady Jones dropped a precise pass to Tailique Williams for 35 yards. Eaton bounced back, setting the edge and stopping Jones on third down before MSU forced a turnover on downs.

“He didn’t flinch,” Smith said of Eaton, who ended with three tackles. “He went back out and made solid plays the rest of the way.”

Adams had a more humorous take on the first-snap big play – one that also applied to Bell allowing a 30-yard completion.

“I’d prefer that not to happen,” Adams said with a grin.

Eaton and Bell led the corner reps while redshirt sophomore Chance Rucker, who has starting history, and freshman Aydan West followed with 35 combined snaps. West, a three-star prospect from Maryland, impressed in camp enough to earn real minutes in his first outing.

“With all the snaps that room is stacking, it’s great for the younger guy to learn from older teammates, take coaching, and expand his knowledge,” Adams said of West. “It’s big for his development having so many invested vets dropping advice.”

Senior Ade Willie lined up as MSU’s main nickelback to start the season, tallying three tackles and a breakup. Per Pro Football Focus, he gave up only three catches for 21 yards on four passes his way.

“He’s fast, tough, and can cover. He’s big for a nickel too,” Adams said. “That size gives you run and pass advantages without needing to sub. He’s been a great surprise as he’s kept developing.”

Michigan State’s defense held WMU scoreless and now prepares for a bigger test with Boston College on Saturday. The Eagles crushed Fordham 66-10 as new QB Dylan Lonergan, an Alabama transfer, threw for 268 yards and four TDs.

“They stress you by pairing downfield shots with their run game,” Adams said. “We’ll need to be locked in for that.”