How's the defensive line looking? Will more portal transfers come in to save the day?
In the last week, MSU lost its two starting DTs, who were arguably two of the team's top five players. Read about the latest portal exit news here.
Simeon Barrow - The r-Sr has been a fixture on the D-line. With 30 starts at MSU. He's recorded 110 career tackles, 18.5 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks. And he earned award recognition, being a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and cracking the top 25 list for MSU’s career sacks.
Derrek Harmon - The r-Jr was once again expected to pair with Barrow to form one of the best DT duos in the conference, if not the country. The 6-5 / 320 mauler has played in 28 career games (15 starts) at MSU. He's tallied 70+ tackles, 6.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks.
Digging the knife in deeper...
Bai Jobe and Andrew Depaepe both entered the portal. They were the 1st and 2nd highest-ranked players from the HS class last year. They both redshirted in 2023 and figured to play large roles in the coming year. They both offer a high ceiling we will sadly never see at MSU. Jobe was heavily recruited to Oklahoma in HS and will likely have plenty of suitors with his pedigree. Depaepe is linked to Indiana, where his younger brother will be playing. While I'm not sure either would have played significantly this year, they were the types of recruits you want to see hit their potential at your school.
With Barrow and Harmon gone, who do we have at DT?
Maverick Hansen (6th Year) was going to be our DT3. He has experience with 8 starts in 41 career games, and productivity with 90 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, and 5.0 sacks.
D'Quan Douse (Grad Transfer) transfers in from GT with plenty of experience and production. He has 24 starts in 44 appearances. And was PPF ranked as the No. 4 DT. In 2022, he had an 80.7 run-defense grade.
Alex VanSummeran (r-So) was a highly rated prospect who has been battling injuries for two+ seasons. I don't think I've ever seen a picture or clip of him not on crutches or in a boot.
Mikeshun Beeler is an incoming FR. He has great size at 6'4", and has the frame to carry 300+ LBS. Great late find by the staff. But needs a RS.
I'll cover more below, but want to note that another transfer Quindarius Dunnigan is an Edge player that can likely kick inside at times, but is not a true DT.
DT Assessment: Hansen and Douse are closer to ideal DT3-4 than DT1-2. So, the staff needs to hit the portal hard for the next two weeks to bring in much-needed talent to help ASAP. This was also a position Mel and the staff neglected, so expect CJS to pick back up the DT recruiting from HS ranks.
Alright, well what about DE?
Bogle (5th-year grad) returns for one more year (12 starts in 49 appearances w/ 94 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks) and will slot into the stand-up Edge role Rossi uses.
Thompson (So) looked great as a True Freshman in a 3-point role, but it appears Rossi likes him in the stand-up role as well.
Dunn (r-Sr) has experience with 20 career games. In 2023 played 196 snaps on defense and registered 40 career tackles, 6 TFLs and 3 Sacks
Dunnigan (6th year Grad Transfer) transfers in to compete at the other DE position. Dunnigan comes in with experience, with 13 Starts in 32 career appearances. And brings production, in 2023 he earned Second Team All-CUSA by posting 35 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 8 pass breakups.
Anthony Jones (So) transfers in with three years of eligibility. He is familiar with the staff from his past two colleges and is what the staff is looking for in the standup rush role. I like this addition a lot. We have enough players this year that he won't be forced to contribute early. But there's plenty of PT to go around next year, giving him a great opportunity.
Schott (r-So) is 6'4" 235. He needs to gain weight to be effective on run-downs. Coming out of high school, he was known as a high-motor player with quick get-off and agility in bending the corner. Schott can continue to develop into a high-floor player.
Talley (r-So) has received positive reviews this Spring. By all accounts, he's been more vocal despite being an underclassman. In 2023 he played in five games with 58 total defensive snaps. I'm still holding out hope the staff can unlock this former 4*'s potential. Talley came out of HS with the size and frame to provide position versatility across the DL.
Per 247: Stong at point of attack and heavy hands to help in run support. Has explosiveness and the ability to accelerate to track down the ball carrier.
Burnett (Fr) will be a True Freshman and likely redshirt.
Any portal help on the way?
Brandon Lane (r-Jr) - The big body DT (6-3 / 300 pounds) just committed to MSU (read more here). At Stephen F. Austin last year he posted 44 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. He softens the blow of MSU having to replace the lose of the two DT's mentioned above. Lane has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
Eddie Kelly (Jr) - A portal target from GT is on MSU's radar. He's 6-4 / 280, more suited to play strong side edge. Played all 13 games last year and tallied 38 tackles and 5 sacks. Would help replace the lose of the two DE's mentioned above and have 2 year of eligibility remaining.
Tyler Gillison (r-So) is in the portal from Cincinnati University. He is a rush end with good measurables, at 6-4 / 240. He is visiting this weekend, Saturday 4/28.
2024 Assessment: In the last week, the D-line went from maybe the best position group on the team to the worst. But I expect the staff to land 1-3 more Defensive Line players from the portal. Who they get, and how many they get will change everything. So ask me in a week.
2025 and Beyond: Next year, I expect the room to look very different. Bogle, Hansen, Douse, Dunn, and Dunnigan will be moving on. That leaves Thompson, Jones, AVS, Schott, and Talley as the only upperclassmen. That's not nearly enough depth or experience. So expect massive efforts this portal window and next offseason to get quality bodies in the room.
Scheme Note: DC Rossi uses a weakside stand-up rusher. It's not a traditional 4-3 with 2 DEs with fingers in the dirt. This stand-up role presents a different look and is a bit more versatile, being asked to drop into coverage occasionally. Bogle and Thompson have been mentioned as playing this role during the Spring. It sounds like Jones will slot in here as well.
My Take on the Depth Chart
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