Video: Spartans put on the pads, start to hit
Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State team finally put on their pads and started hitting. The team just finished their first week of spring practice. WILX News Ten Sports talked with defensive backs coach Harlon “Da Bang Stick” Barnett who still sounds like he’d love to go hit a few opponents himself. We’d be happy to see Barnett’s DBs hit even half as hard as he could.
Tim Kirby of the Lansing State Journal also talked with Barnett and defensive back Otis Wiley about the changes he’s making to MSU’s secondary scheme.
Harlon Barnett, MSU’s new defensive back coach, said the players have shown ability to adjust to the new style, even if they aren’t perfect yet.
“We tell the players ‘Don’t worry about if you don’t make a play right now,’ ” Barnett said. “Don’t get me wrong, they’re going to be upset, but when you blow a coverage right now it’s because you are still trying to learn.”
Junior safety Otis Wiley, who led the team in tackles last season, said the new scheme will allow him to focus more on coverage instead of making tackles.
“The safeties are still going to come up and fill the holes like we always do, but we won’t have to rely on that,” Wiley said. “I like the style because I have faith in my linebackers. They can make a play before I get up there. I can just worry about my pass (coverage) and make slow reads. I can be more patient back there than I was last year.”