Michigan State football: Cal Haladay named to Nagurski Trophy watch list

Michigan State football star linebacker Cal Haladay has been named to the Nagurski Trophy watch list for 2023.

The Football Writers Association of America just released its 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, given to the best defensive player in the nation. Among the 94 players who were included in the pre-season list was Michigan State football linebacker Cal Haladay.

Many expect the 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior to have a big season after an excellent start to his career in green and white.

Upon arriving on campus, Haladay landed on the freshman All-American team in 2021. He was the second leading tackler on the team with 89, and posted four games with double-digit tackles. He tallied four sacks, a forced fumble and recovery, and most significantly two pick-sixes in games against Indiana and Pittsburgh. The latter game garnered him the 2021 defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl.

He followed up his freshman campaign by leading the team in tackles in 2022 with 120 (10.0 per game). That was the highest single-season tackle total since 2009, when Greg Jones put up 153. He is also the first player with over 100 tackles in a season since Joe Bachie accomplished the same feat in back-to-back seasons.

Outside of tackling, Haladay was relatively quiet last season. He totaled just 1.5 sacks, as well as a forced fumble and recovery against Akron. He also struggled in pass coverage at times. This gap which was made more evident by an early season-ending injury to the more mobile Darius Snow.

The “bogeyman” who is famous for his lack of gloves on the field, is an unquestioned leader in a front seven that is very likely to improve from last season. He won’t impose you with his size, but he is the kind of player who won’t let you escape and beats you with pure hustle. Haladay also excels off the field, as a two-time Academic All-American.

MSU’s best teams have always relied heavily on stellar performances and on-field acumen from their linebacking corps. Look at examples such as Antjuan Simmons, Joe Bachie, Max and Riley Bullough, Darien Harris, Denicos Allen, Greg Jones.

If MSU wants to be successful this season, they need that “big dog” mentality from a guy like Haladay.