Loyal Spartan defender Malik Spencer battles deep safety talent, aiming for a Commanders roster spot with passion and playmaking ability.
Matt Gulbin isn’t the only Michigan State Spartans alum heading to the nation’s capital. Defensive back Malik Spencer is also boarding a flight to Washington, D.C., after signing a contract to join Gulbin with the Washington Commanders.
The Spartans have had a wave of players sign UDFA contracts, including Omari Kelly (WR) and Jack Velling (TE). Among them, Spencer stands out as one of Michigan State’s top defensive players. He has a legitimate chance to make the Commanders’ roster thanks to his passion and physical style of play. That said, it will be an uphill climb given the depth Washington already has at the safety position. Still, Spencer will fight for a roster spot—or, at the very least, a place on the practice squad.
Spencer is something of a rarity in today’s college football landscape, as he spent all four seasons in East Lansing. That kind of commitment speaks volumes. To many front offices across the league, it signals loyalty, perseverance, and a willingness to finish what you start. Despite playing under two different head coaches, enduring multiple losing seasons, and likely receiving opportunities to transfer elsewhere, Spencer stayed. In doing so, he not only developed as a player but also grew as a person.
As a freshman, Spencer took a back seat and learned from afar. He appeared in five games, recording five total tackles while adjusting to the college level.
However, his sophomore season marked a major step forward. Playing in all 12 games, Spencer flourished within the Spartans’ defense. He finished with 41 solo tackles and 31 assisted tackles, totaling 72 on the season. Two of those tackles came behind the line of scrimmage, and he also showcased his coverage ability with six pass deflections.
As a junior, his season was unfortunately cut short due to injury, limiting him to nine games. Even so, Spencer recorded 28 solo tackles and 16 assisted tackles for a total of 44. He added one tackle for loss and two pass deflections. More notably, he made game-changing plays, recording his first career interception and forcing a fumble—proof of the impact he can have, especially when it comes to creating turnovers.
By his senior year, Spencer returned to full strength and started all 12 games. He totaled 35 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles for 52 on the season. He also recorded three tackles for loss and notched the first two sacks of his collegiate career. In addition, Spencer secured his second career interception, added five pass deflections, and forced another fumble.
Simply put, Spencer was the motor behind a defense that consistently worked to pick up the pieces, game after game.
The Commanders’ depth chart at safety is crowded. According to Ourlads, Nick Cross and former Detroit Lions defensive back Will Harris are listed as the starters. Harris is one of two former Lions in the secondary, alongside Amik Robertson. Behind them are Jeremy Reaves and Quan Martin, a 2023 second-round pick. The third string includes Robert McDaniel and Percy Butler, a 2022 fourth-rounder.
Spencer will need to fight hard to carve out a role in Washington. But now, his foot is in the door—and he’s heading to camp with a chance to prove exactly what he brings to the table.