Monday marks four days until the Michigan State football season begins.
Sticking with the theme from yesterday, I will be highlighting four players in their second season of eligibility to watch for MSU this year. Of note, Nick Marsh will not be featured on this list, since, if you are not watching him already, that is on you.
Who are Marsh’s recruiting classmates to look out for this season?
Justin Denson Jr., DB
Justin Denson Jr. enters this year as the most impactful freshman in his class outside of Marsh. Denson saw the most snaps of any of the true sophomores on the roster not named Marsh, and looks to leap into his first starting assignment when the lights turn on this Friday.
His 71.0 grade on PFF last season ranked among the top-five for all first-or-second year in eligibility safeties, and 21st overall among his position. Combine this with the news that Nikai Martinez is a game time decision, and Denson is competing with senior Armorion Smith to be the “next man up”.
Regardless of who gets the start on Friday, both (or the trio, depending on Martinez’s availability) players stand to see extensive field action against the Broncos.
Makhi Frazier, RB
Makhi Frazier enters the season as the co-starter at running back, if Big Ten Network is to be believed. The running back and high school linebacker was a special team stalwart last year. He provided enough value with the coverage units and the occasional spot carry that the staff elected to burn his redshirt.
Now, he enters as the shifty back to compliment Brandon Tullis (more on him later) and the power run game. Frazier has shown off his hands, too, with multiple compliments regarding his receiving upside. By the time its halftime against the Broncos, Frazier should surpass his seven carries for 21 yards and catch for 12 yards from a season ago.
Brandon Tullis, RB
The other Texas native running back, Brandon Tullis also provided enough value the staff elected to surpass a redshirt for the talented back. His power run game, at nearly 230 pounds, makes him a candidate for the first Spartan touchdown of the year in my eyes.
Tullis saw the field for the season opening win over FAU last season, but only on special teams. His first carry came in Week 3 last year. The only trend that will remain the same is Tullis playing in the season opener. I predict Tullis to finish with over 40 rushing yards on Friday. Maybe he will even score the first Michigan State football touchdown of the year, too.
Brady Pretzlaff, LB
The only player to receive a redshirt on this list is Brady Pretzlaff. That redshirt was not for lack of talent, as the Spartans had a logjam of linebackers in 2024. With Jordan Turner and Cal Haladay out of eligibility, and Aaron Alexander hitting the portal, there are three roles opened in the room.
Based on what has been said during camp in press conferences, there is a Pretzlaff-shaped hole in the lineup, and expect the No. 45 to be seeing extensive action this season. Pretzlaff played in the maximum four games to preserve a redshirt, and recorded four tackles in 11 snaps against the Indiana Hoosiers last year. That is prime productivity against high-end talent.
