Michigan State defensive back Ade Willie growing into starting nickel back role

Michigan State senior defensive back Ade Willie has had to learn a lot on the fly during his time as a Spartan. With responsibilities as a safety, outside cornerback and nickel back, he has a lot on his plate while flying around in defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Joe Rossi’s defense, and playing under the tutelage of secondary coach Blue Adams and safeties coach James Adams.

Transitioning positions in high level football is not an easy task, but Willie is making the most of it. In fact, after starting in three games in his first three seasons combined (and playing in 26 total contests), Willie has earned the starting spot at nickel back for the Spartans and has started the first two games of 2025, versus Western Michigan and versus Boston College, respectively. He has helped MSU get to a 2-0 start to begin the campaign.

When asked about his transition to primarily playing the nickel corner spot, Willie said he enjoys the position because it allows his to display different aspects of his overall game.

“Yeah, it's cool," Willie said about playing nickel. "I like to express that different part of my game as well. You know, not just covering, but also being able to be in that box and be physical and show that part, too. But I like to express both things and (playing) corner, just covering stuff, which is cool. I like that, too. That's how I feel about that.”