BREAKING: Michigan State Adds Depth At Cornerback Via Transfer Portal
The transfer portal is a two-way street.
Michigan State suffered a pair of significant losses this week when 2022 starting quarterback Payton Thorne and star wide receiver Keon Coleman departed the program, but the Spartans have responded by adding depth at a position of need.
Four days after MSU received good news in the form of junior cornerback Charles Brantley withdrawing his name from the portal, Michigan State added another piece to its defensive backfield when TCU transfer Kee'yon Stewart announced his intention to play for the Green and White in 2023.
Over four seasons with the Horned Frogs, Stewart appeared in 30 games, including 13 last season ago when TCU made it all the way to the national championship game. He has recorded 46 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack, 10 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble so far in his collegiate career. Stewart will have two years of eligibility remaining when he arrives in East Lansing.
Stewart played in nine games as a true freshman at TCU in 2019, but injuries limited the fifth-year senior to just eight appearances over the next two seasons. Returning to full health in 2022, Stewart did not start but was a regular part of the Horned Frogs rotation at cornerback last season when he played in 13 games. He recorded 14 tackles, three pass breakups and forced a fumble last fall.
Michigan State has actively looked for defensive back help through the transfer portal this offseason. Eight days ago, the Spartans added Cincinnati transfer safety and Detroit native Armorion Smith adding depth for secondary coach Harlon Barnett. Back in December, the Spartans brought in Wisconsin transfer cornerback Semar Melvin, who participated in spring practice for MSU. Now, with the addition of Stewart, new cornerbacks coach Jim Salgado has another option to choose from.
The Spartans may be in the market for more help at defensive back as summer approaches. Michigan State is also expected to add at least one wide receiver, and perhaps a quarterback, due to the losses of Coleman and Thorne. The redshirt senior signal-caller announced his transfer to Auburn on Friday, May 5th.
For now, Coleman remains in the portal and has not definitely ruled out a return to Michigan State, though he is currently on a visit to Florida State this weekend and will have several other potential suitors vying for his services.
For an updated look at Michigan State's incoming and outgoing transfers, click here.
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