Football by Numbers Michigan State Spartans

LB Rankings: Cal Haladay

September 8, 2022 CFB Saturdays Staff

As we review the LB rankings, players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Cal Haladay, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football LB rankings here.

Michigan State linebacker, Cal Haladay red-shirted in 2020, before earning a starting spot heading into the 2021 season. Haladay was excellent, making plays sideline to sideline against the run and the pass. He made one of the more memorable plays of they year, a pick six to seal the Peach Bowl win against Pittsburgh. The young linebacker accumulated 96 tackles with 5 tackles for loss, 2 fumble forced, 2 pass break-ups, 2 QB Hurries and 2 interceptions, both of which he returned for a touchdown in 2021. Haladay was consistent, but also made big plays when his team needed them most.

Haladay is an instinctual player, who has an innate ability to find the football. He has a good feel for what’s misdirection and what is real when diagnosing plays, putting him in good position to make a play. He navigates traffic well, showing the ability to sift through blockers to get to the ball carrier. In addition to the football instincts, Haladay has that ability to rise to the moment. He has a knack for making key plays in the biggest moments of the game. Haladay’s instincts and flair for the dramatic allow him to shine on the football field.

Haladay is also a very complete player who is sound in every aspect of the position. The 6’1″ 230 lb star has the strength to play in the box and is a strong tackler. He also has the speed and change of direction ability to make plays on the perimeter or in coverage. Haladay has good fundamentals and good technique, playing with leverage to get off blocks and finish the play. With a well rounded game, there is little Haladay cannot do to help the defense.

Cal Haladay is a do-it-all linebacker who can excel in a variety of ways. He has a knack for making the big play and always appears to be a step ahead of the opposition. He has the athleticism and physicality to star at the position and puts those skills to good use. Haladay is a play-maker who is one of the better linebackers in college football.

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