Michigan State football: Trio of Spartans elect to not pursue a pro career

As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, many colleges have hosted their Pro Days. Michigan State football is no different. Jonathan Smith’s seniors worked out on Wednesday, including the addition of defensive back Lejond Cavazos. He had a year of eligibility left, but the defensive back joined lineman Brandon Baldwin (via the JUCO Ruling from the NCAA), and running back Nate Carter in players leaving MSU early.

The addition of Cavazos was a welcome surprise to me, but there were two other names not working out that surprised me.

Former Michigan State football LB Cal Haladay calls it a career

The biggest name not working out for Pro Day was linebacker Cal Haladay. The former Freshman All-American from Pennsylvania has elected to hang up the cleats and finally wear gloves, as he pursues a career in chemistry. Chris Solari was the first to break the news, crediting a team spokesman.

LB Cal Haladay not taking part in MSU football’s pro day, as the graduate with a degree in chemistry has a job lined up (per team spokesman).

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 12, 2025

Haladay finished his Spartan career with 365 tackles (26 for loss), three interceptions, four sacks, and four forced fumbles. The linebacker had one of the biggest plays of his freshman season in 2021, hauling in a pick six in the final minute of the Peach Bowl. That was one of his shocking three career touchdowns, adding in another pick six and a scoop and score. Ultimately, Haladay’s freshman season was the highlight, as the final few years saw the linebacker often criticized for missed tackles and assignments.

Regardless of how it ended, I would like to thank Haladay for his contributions as a Spartan and wish him the best in his chemistry career.

A pair of Spartans also elect to call it a career

The other two Spartans to call it a career where not huge shocks, but they deserve one last salute for a career.

Quarterback Tommy Schuster has also elected for Senior Day to be his final time suiting up. The North Dakota transfer played backup to Aidan Chiles this season, playing in five games and completing 20 passes on 29 attempts for 202 yards. He also had a quarterback sneak for his only career touchdown at MSU against Prairie View A&M. Chiles has also credited Schuster for mentoring him, and helping with his composure during games and practices.

The final Michigan State football player to mention hanging up the cleats is Zach Gillespie. He was a walk-on receiver who stuck the course, finally seeing the field for the first time in the 2024 season. The five-year Spartan played in four games and got his first career letter, and his highlight came on two catches for 16 yards against Prairie View A&M. Additionally, Gillespie was one of the multiple wideouts who stepped up during the Boston College game, when four receivers were out with injury. While it is not surprising to see Gillespie elect to pursue a career job over a pro football career, the senior deserves one final salute for his contributions as a Spartan.

With Pro Day officially over, the 2024 Michigan State football season is officially concluded. Now, it is onwards and upwards for the Spartans. The 2025 season is on the clock. Expect more on the team in the upcoming weeks from me.