Can the Michigan State linebacker recover from his serious injury? “I think I could get better.”

EAST LANSING – Darius Snow was on a rapid rise.

The Michigan State defensive back had a standout season by starting at two different positions and ranking third on the team in tackles. Snow's planned next step was to move from the secondary to linebacker and develop his versatility before making the jump to the NFL.

In the two years since then, Snow has only played 51 times in five games on defense due to a serious leg injury and spent some time in the transfer portal over the winter before withdrawing his name.

As Michigan State moves forward under new head coach Jonathan Smith and a revamped group of linebackers, Snow is almost a forgotten veteran in the room. Concerns about his health remain, and he acknowledges the reality.

“I think I feel good,” Snow said after practice last week. “I think I still have room to improve, but I'm perfectly capable of doing whatever I need to do. Will I ever be the same again? I don't know. I think I could be better. Who knows?”

In his first appearance as a linebacker, Snow suffered a serious right leg injury in the 2022 season opener and was initially told it could mean the end of his football career. He sought a second opinion, spent a year rehabbing and returned to play last season before a setback sidelined him after four games.

“I think the hardest thing for me is watching the game and knowing that I can do things but I'm not physically able to do them right now,” Snow said. “Now I'm at a point where I'm physically able to do them and I'm thankful for that.”

Snow, the son of former Michigan State standout point guard Eric Snow and nephew of All-American Spartan linebacker Percy Snow, appeared in six games on special teams as a freshman in 2020. He said the plan was to redshirt during the pandemic-altered season, but he convinced the coaching staff to play despite injury. Snow rebounded to record 87 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and an interception, while starting at nickelback and safety in 2021.

“I accomplished a lot as a player, but that's in the past,” Snow said. “So now I want to go out there and do my best because I know the best I can do is do really well.”

Two of Michigan State's top three linebackers from last season are back: three-year starter Cal Haladay and sophomore Jordan Hall, while reinforcements were brought in from the portal. Four linebackers were added: Jordan Turner (Wisconsin), Wayne Matthews (Old Dominion), Marcellius Pulliam (Miami) and Semaj Bridgeman (Michigan). The Spartans also signed four-star recruit Brady Pretzlaff, whom Snow praised as a young star.

Snow withdrew his name from the portal in December after speaking with new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi, who outlined a role. He plays SAM linebacker, which he compared to a nickelback, and has a role on third down in a deep space, which the team expects to be a strength.

“I think everyone is unique in their own way,” Snow said of the linebackers. “I think some guys are better at some things than others, but at the end of the day, anybody can play ball.”

Snow is entering his fifth year at Michigan State, but due to injuries, he considers this only his second season of college football. He admitted he wasn't fully healthy when he returned last year, but he doesn't believe in regrets, but is optimistic.

“I'm excited about the future,” Snow said. “I'm in a great place, have great employees, a great team. I'm excited about what we can accomplish this year.”