“They say we’re the Achilles’ Heel of the defense. I take that personally,” Robinson said. “We’re ready to show what we can do and what we’re capable of.”

Last season, MSU had the conference’s lowest-ranked pass defense at 267.6 yards per game. The big plays were a topic of discussion among the players during the offseason and weren’t soon forgotten.

After taking a 13-9 lead against Iowa on Oct. 24, MSU watched Iowa’s passing game move down the field in 1:37 and score the game-winning touchdown as time expired.

The Spartans also allowed late scores in other games, including Notre Dame and Texas Tech, which put the team behind in those losses.

MSU lost five games by eight points or fewer and will need the secondary to help improve this season.

The good news for Robinson and his teammates this year is the returners and newcomers to the secondary combine to have enough skills and experience to make a turnaround.

MSU returns three players with starting experience from last year in senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker, senior safety Marcus Hyde and Robinson, all of whom are capable of making plays.

Rucker has started 23 games in his career and led the team in pass breakups last season.

Hyde and Robinson each started seven games and recorded 46 and 67 tackles, respectively.

MSU returns sophomore Johnny Adams, who started two games as a freshman in 2008 but was medically redshirted last year because of a shoulder injury.

Adams is listed as the starter on the other side of the field as Rucker.

Together, the unit has more than 30 games of starting experience and will work toward improving from last season.

Youth infusion

After returning loads of experience last season, the Spartan secondary fell flat on its face. This season, MSU is hoping a group of youngsters will be able to right the ship.

To make up for the departures of experienced seniors Jeremy Ware, Ross Weaver, Kendell Davis-Clark and Danny Fortener, the MSU secondary features freshmen at every No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

Freshmen cornerbacks Mylan Hicks, Darqueze Dennard and safety Isaiah Lewis began fall camp with no college experience, but have performed well and join redshirt freshman safety Jairus Jones as the No. 2 players on the depth chart.

Dennard, a high school track standout, has made strides in camp and is ready to play if needed Saturday.

“He was very exciting to watch in the first few weeks of football camp,” MSU football head coach Dantonio said. “He’s very, very coachable. I think he’s ready to play.”

As a result of the departures, a greater level of certainty exists about the role each starter is to play.

Players said chemistry is good between teammates and they know where each other is on the field.

“The communication is amazing,” Robinson said. “If I’m not doing something, Johnny’s at the corner telling me and Hyde’s communicating.”

MSU will need all of its starters to be on their playmaking best to see improvements this season.

The Spartans brought in an impressive group of defensive backs in this past season’s recruiting class, and they are going to be tested early on.

Redshirt freshman Dana Dixon, sophomore Mitchell White, junior Chris D. Rucker and senior Jesse Johnson also are on the depth chart and will provide help to the secondary.

Making improvements

MSU’s front seven appears to be in good shape with several returners, and the secondary knows if it can make the necessary strides, the defense will be in great shape to begin its Big Ten run.

That task starts Saturday against Western Michigan (noon, ESPN2), which succeeded through the air in 2009 and will offer an early-season challenge.

If MSU develops a consistent playmaker in the secondary, the defense could be significantly aided.

“We need everybody,” Adams said. “Greg Jones is our leader, but we need everybody to be on board and be on task with what Greg Jones is trying to accomplish.”

Players said one of the biggest problems from last season was that defensive backs would be in position but simply were unable to make plays on the ball.

Robinson said that improvements have been made and that’s been a common theme in practice.

Going against top
passing teams such as Notre Dame and Northwestern will challenge the Spartans, but the secondary has the ability to be a better group this season.

That commitment starts Saturday against Western Michigan.

“We take it as a challenge,” Rucker said.

“We want to step up to the challenge and show that we’re a lot better than a lot of people think we are. It’s a challenge that we’re taking on.”