While all of the starters will not be playing together it will be interesting to see the Spartans on defense without defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi at the helm. 

Cornerback Battle

The starting cornerback battle will be a big one for the team as the team must replace Trae Waynes and two-way player Tony Lippett who was starting opposite Waynes at the end of last season. Junior Darian Hicks, redshirt freshman Vayante Copeland and junior Demetrious Cox are all listed as starters right now on the spring depth chart, but senior Arjen Colquhoun and junior Jermaine Edmondson could be in the mix as well.

Connor Cook

Senior quarterback Connor Cook returned to school despite significant draft interest and it could pay off. Cook has been mentioned as one of the top quarterbacks in next years draft. A good 2015-16 season could earn Cook that spot and that would result in a first-round selection and a big pay day. Cook has gained status among the elite, now it is time to see if he will cement it. 

Running back Battle

Redshirt freshman Madre London and sophomore Gerald Holmes are both currently listed as starters and London has the buzz surrounding his name, but the job is not won yet. Sophomore Delton Williams could be in the mix if his situation clears up and incoming freshman L.J. Scott is talented and a big summer could see Scott earn the job. Jeremy Langford had big shoes to fill after Le'Veon Bell and now there will big shoes to fill left by Langford. 

Malik McDowell

There are several big names on the MSU defense this season and none will garner more attention than senior Shilique Calhoun but McDowell is also very important to this years defense. A highly-touted high school recruit, McDowell played in all 13 games as a freshman and his progression will be important. The Spartans defensive line could be one of the best in the country if the sophomore makes strides from his last season to this one.

Riley Bullough

It was only a matter of time until junior Riley Bullough became the starting middle linebacker. Bullough has a legacy to live up to, several of his family members played football at this level. His grandfather Hank Bullough was a guard at MSU from 1952-54, his father Shane was a Spartans linebacker from 1983-86, and his brother Max Bullough was the starting middle linebacker for three years in his time at MSU from 2010-13. Riley has earned the job and now he will get the chance to make his own mark.