Michigan State University Athletics
Cal Haladay Named FWAA Freshman All-American
1/17/2022 1:40:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State redshirt freshman linebacker Cal Haladay has been named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-American team.
Haladay was previously named a Freshman All-American by the Maxwell Football Club and The Athletic.
Haladay, who appeared in four games on special teams in 2020, emerged as a starting linebacker during preseason camp and went on to start 12 of 13 games this season for the No. 8/9 Spartans (11-2). He finished the season ranked tied for first on the team and tied for 11th in the Big Ten with 96 tackles, including five for losses (14 yards) and a half sack (4 yards). Haladay also led the team with two interceptions for 108 yards, both of which were returned for touchdowns. In addition, he had two forced fumbles, two pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.
A native of Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Haladay was named the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP after returning an interception 78 yards for a touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining in a play that sealed the 31-21 victory for the Spartans over No. 12 Pittsburgh. It marked the longest interception return for a touchdown in MSU bowl history and also the Peach Bowl. Haladay led the Spartans with 11 tackles against the Panthers, which tied his career high.
In the win at Indiana in Week 7, Haladay returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. He recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the regular-season finale vs. Penn State and had 10 tackles each against both Michigan on Oct. 30 and Western Kentucky on Oct. 2.
Haladay also earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades from the media.
Haladay is the 13th Spartan to be named a FWAA Freshman All-American since the team began in 2001.
Haladay was previously named a Freshman All-American by the Maxwell Football Club and The Athletic.
Haladay, who appeared in four games on special teams in 2020, emerged as a starting linebacker during preseason camp and went on to start 12 of 13 games this season for the No. 8/9 Spartans (11-2). He finished the season ranked tied for first on the team and tied for 11th in the Big Ten with 96 tackles, including five for losses (14 yards) and a half sack (4 yards). Haladay also led the team with two interceptions for 108 yards, both of which were returned for touchdowns. In addition, he had two forced fumbles, two pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.
A native of Elysburg, Pennsylvania, Haladay was named the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP after returning an interception 78 yards for a touchdown with just 22 seconds remaining in a play that sealed the 31-21 victory for the Spartans over No. 12 Pittsburgh. It marked the longest interception return for a touchdown in MSU bowl history and also the Peach Bowl. Haladay led the Spartans with 11 tackles against the Panthers, which tied his career high.
In the win at Indiana in Week 7, Haladay returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown. He recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the regular-season finale vs. Penn State and had 10 tackles each against both Michigan on Oct. 30 and Western Kentucky on Oct. 2.
Haladay also earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades from the media.
Haladay is the 13th Spartan to be named a FWAA Freshman All-American since the team began in 2001.
Players Mentioned
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