MSU's Dantonio: Williamson is full go vs. Alabama

Joe Rexrode | Detroit Free Press

Show Caption Hide Caption MSU's Mark Dantonio: This is new ground for us Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio looks ahead to the Cotton Bowl against Alabama during media day Dec. 16, 2015. By Joe Rexrode, DFP.

EAST LANSING -- There's no telling what Michigan State will do with its secondary against Alabama -- Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio certainly isn't telling -- but the return of senior safety RJ Williamson gives Dantonio options.

And Dantonio said at a news conference today that Williamson has been "full go" and has looked "very, very good" in practices this week, in preparation for the Dec. 31 Cotton Bowl semifinal between No. 2 Alabama (12-1) and No. 3 MSU (12-1).

Williamson suffered a torn biceps in an Oct. 3 win over Purdue, had surgery the next day and hasn't played since. He will return to a secondary that has been playing at a high level for the past four games, with junior Demetrious Cox and sophomore Montae Nicholson at the safety spots.

But it sounds like Williamson will be a factor. He was playing his best football and was arguably MSU's best all-around defensive back before he got injured.

MSU co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett said Williamson will be "heavily involved" against Alabama.

Today is MSU's media day to preview the game, and several players mentioned "camp-like" practices of full intensity this week. Dantonio agreed with that assessment.

"I don't think there's any question," he said, "with a week layoff and anticipating what's coming, our guys are getting ready."

Contact Joe Rexrode: jrexrode@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @joerexrode. Check out his MSU blog at freep.com/heyjoe.

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