Michigan State safeties coach updates camp, defensive back room

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Michigan State football has a new look coaching staff in 2026, with Pat Fitzgerald taking over the program and entering his first season with the Spartans. While most of his staff is new, there were a couple of holdovers from the last regime, and safeties coach James Adams was one of those holdovers. Adams came highly regarded to Michigan State in 2025, and was a big part of his retention under Fitzgerald.

On Wednesday, Adams spoke to the media, updating the status of the defensive backs unit and how things are going through camp.

  • “We want to stop the score and a big part of that is taking the football away and giving it back to our offense. We are always looking for opportunities.”
  • “He [Martinez] has always been a general in our room. He’s flying around, making plays on the ball. The younger guys follow him.”
  • “He’s [Vaught] another guy who just shows up and works. He’s asking questions, taking notes. He will text or call me in the evening with questions on the install. He’s always working his craft.”
  • “There are guys cross training at both corner and nickel. I really think it’s good for them. Those guys have really taken on the responsibility to be that X-factor.”
  • “It’s really good. We got playable guys and only so many reps. I think one thing the guys have done well with is being able to play multiple positions. We feel really good about them being able to go into the game and execute at a high level.”
  • “Mike Richard, he’s done a phenomenal job playing in that slot/nickel position”

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State safeties coach updates camp, defensive back room

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