When Armorion Smith committed to Michigan State football before the 2023 season, everyone was hoping for him to be a starting-caliber safety because he had the experience necessary to help fill a position of need.
In his first season with the Spartans, he experienced a tumultuous environment with Mel Tucker getting fired and Harlon Barnett stepping in to replace him just a few games into the season.
Instead of looking for a new home elsewhere, Smith decided to stick it out after playing just four games, totaling just two tackles. He didn't have a major impact, but he got a bigger opportunity as a sophomore, playing in seven games and totaling seven tackles.