EAST LANSING – Michigan State’s youth movement is plainly evident on its first depth chart, but the placement of a troubled senior stands out.

Returning starter Demetrius Cooper, who had off-field issues and was “red-locked” by coach Mark Dantonio in the spring, is listed at second-string defensive end for Saturday’s opener against Bowling Green (noon, ESPNU). Junior Dillon Alexander and sophomore Kenny Willekes, both former walk-ons, are listed as starters.

“You know, it's all performance based,” MSU coach Mark Dantonio said today. “We've gone slowly with Coop as we've gone through this. But it's been performance based. He'll play. We anticipate him playing.”

Junior Josh Butler is the first-string corner opposite sophomore Justin Layne, with true freshman Josiah Scott – who started the spring game as an early enrollee – and junior Tyson Smith behind them. Smith is coming off a stroke he suffered shortly after last season ended.

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“Josh Butler has had an outstanding summer camp … and he's playing very, very well,” Dantonio said. “He's been one of the guys you point to in camp and he's been solid. Pass break ups, interceptions, those kind of things. He's tackling well.

“Josiah Scott had an outstanding spring. He got nicked up, we held him back a little bit. He's back now, in the last week or so. Both of those guys are going to play. Who starts really will define itself probably this weekend.”

Scott is one of 14 true freshmen on the depth chart, six of whom are in the two-deep along with just seven seniors. Linebacker Chris Frey and center Brian Allen are listed as sole offensive and defensive starters, with Gerald Holmes considered a co-starter at running back. Cooper, quarterback Damion Terry, left tackle Dennis Finley and linebacker Shane Jones are second-string.

“When you look at the depth chart right now, it's a starting point for us,” Dantonio said. “We've got some guys that obviously have played a lot of football for us. They're solidified.”

Much of MSU’s depth chart reads as expected. Juniors Matt Morrissey and Khari Willis are listed as the new starting safeties, with sophomore David Dowell and Grayson Miller as a backups. All three running backs – LJ Scott, Holmes and Madre London – are listed as co-starters with OR between them.

Behind new starting quarterback Brian Lewerke, Terry is listed as the backup ahead of redshirt freshman Messiah deWeaver.

[Scott, Holmes and London plan to carry MSU – when it's their turn]

INJURY UPDATES: Dantonio said junior punt returner Brandon Sowards will miss the season after an ACL injury. He averaged just 6.3 yards on 15 punt returns last fall.

Reserve offensive lineman A.J. Arcuri also is out with an undisclosed injury, but Dantonio said he believes the redshirt freshman will return at some point.

POSITION SHIFTING: Redshirt freshman Brandon Randle is listed at No. 2 Star linebacker, but Dantonio said he also will see time at defensive end.

True freshman Tre Person, who entered camp at cornerback, is listed as the third-string free safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Sophomore Darrell Stewart will handle punt returns and kickoff return duties to start the season. Laress Nelson is No. 2 at both punts and kickoffs, while fellow true freshman Cody White is third on punt returns. All three are wide receivers.

At kicker, Dantonio said redshirt freshman Matt Coghlin will handle place-kicking and point-after tries after the graduation of four-year starter Michael Geiger. Senior Brett Scanlon will be the Spartans’ kickoff specialist, replacing Kevin Cronin.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari.

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