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Michigan State sophomore safety Xavier Henderson forging own path

East Lansing — When most defenses lose two of their four starting defensive backs to the NFL, there could be a bit of a setback the next season.

At Michigan State, there are no plans for any sort of step in the wrong direction and sophomore safety Xavier Henderson is a big reason.

While fifth-year senior Josh Butler will likely step in at cornerback for Justin Layne, a third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Henderson slides into the strong safety spot held by Khari Willis, who was taken in the fourth round by the Indianapolis Colts.