(NOTE: an edit has been made to the article on the offense's recruiting needs, as I forgot to list Jeremy Langford at running back.)
The recruiting needs for the offense were covered here, and now the defense gets the same treatment.
DEFENSIVE END
Seniors: Colin Neely
Juniors: Johnathan Strayhorn, Todd Anderson
Sophomores: Corey Freeman, Cameron Jude, Tyler Hoover
Freshmen: Denzel Drone (R), Taylor Calero, William Gholston, Marcus Rush
2011 Recruits: None
NEED: ONE - BUT MORE WOULD BE NICE (DUH)
The reason the "more would be nice' is in there because Gholston may eventually move to outside linebacker, and, as you've heard repeatedly, you can never have too many good defensive linemen. If MSU only takes one defensive end in this class however, don't fret - there's no shortage of bodies.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Seniors: None
Juniors: Kevin Pickelman
Sophomores: Anthony White (JUCO), Blake Treadwell, Jerel Worthy
Freshmen: Micajah Reynolds (R), Dan France (R)
2011 Recruits: None
NEED: TWO
This position's young, so there's time to pick up a few defensive tackles. The lack of true depth here is a little frightening, as Reynolds was originally recruited for the offensive line and Treadwell had to break his redshirt last year. The good news? Freshman All-American Jerel Worthy hasone of the starting spots on lockdown until he leaves.
LINEBACKER
Seniors: Greg Jones, Jon Misch, Eric Gordon
Juniors: None
Sophomores: Chris Norman, Steve Gardiner
Freshmen: Denicos Allen (R), Max Bullough, Jeremy Gainer (R), TyQuan Hammock (R), Justin Wilson
2011 Recruits: Lawrence Thomas, Taiwan Jones depending on how big he gets
NEED: ONE OR TWO (Inside or Outside, it doesn't matter), DEPENDING ON TAIWAN JONES' DEVELOPMENT
I decided not to differentiate between outside and inside linebackers, as they're moved around the depth chart as circumstances dictate. The linebacker need could change depending on how often a 3-4 base is used in the future. If that defense is heavily used, another recruit will be needed on top of the one or two needed now. This unit is going to be young but talented in 2011 with Norman, Bullough, Thomas, and Gholston if he moves to outside linebacker.
CORNERBACK
Seniors: Chris L. Rucker
Juniors: Chase Parker
Sophomores: Johnny Adams, Mitchell White
Freshmen: Dana Dixon (R), Darqueze Dennard, Mylan Hicks
2011 Recruits: Andre Sims Jr.
NEED: TWO
The depth is deceptive here - Parker and White are both walk-ons who were pressed into action due to the fallout from the Rather Hall Brawl. Andre Sims Jr. has already committed for 2011 and assuming Dennard or Hicks (most likely Hicks) will most likely see playing time this season, two more corners would allow the coaching staff to hopefully redshirt one or two of the 2011 recruits and solidify the position in the future.
SAFETY
Seniors: Marcus Hyde, Jesse Johnson
Juniors: Trenton Robinson
Sophomores: None
Freshmen: Patrick White (R), Jairus Jones (R), Isaiah Lewis, Kurtis Drummond
2011 Recruits: Taiwan Jones (if he doesn't move to linebacker)
NEED: TWO, THREE IF TAIWAN JONES MOVES TO LB
What I said about the corners can be repeated here - taking two safeties in 2011 (three if Taiwan Jones changes positions) would give the depth needed to redshirt players at this position. Depending on their camp performances and injuries, it's very possible that Lewis and Drummond see playing time this season, breaking their potential redshirts.
KICKERS AND PUNTERS
Seniors: Aaron Bates (P)
Juniors: None
Sophomores: Dan Conroy (K)
Freshmen: Kevin Muma (K - Redshirt), Mike Sadler (P)
2011 Recruits: None
NEED: NAH, WE'RE GOOD
State's all set at the kicking spots for a couple years, at least until the 2013 class when a kicker might be taken so he can redshirt for Muma's senior year.