3 Breakout Candidates for Michigan State's Defense

The Spartans return much of their defensive production from a season ago, but a trio of second-year players could become household names for MSU in 2024...

Michigan State struggled defensively throughout the Mel Tucker era, but the Spartans will trot out a new, 3-4 scheme on that side of the ball under defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, who comes to East Lansing after four seasons at Minnesota.

Rossi will have plenty of veteran pieces to build his defense around, experienced players such as linebacker Cal Haladay, defensive tackles Derrick Harmon and Simeon Barrow, and defensive backs Jaden Mangham and Dillon Tatum. However, in order for Michigan State to take a sizeable step up on defense, they'll need a crop of younger players to step into bigger roles and increase their production in 2024.

With that in mind, here are three "Breakout Candidates" for Michigan State's defense this fall...

1.) LB Jordan Hall (So.)

Part of me questioned whether Hall was a true candidate for a "breakout" season, because the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder had a pretty strong 2023 season as a true freshman. However, I see 2024 as the year Hall becomes a known name across the Big Ten and maybe even nationally, not just a known name among those of us who closely watch the Spartans.

A former four-star and Top 170 prospect (247Sports' composite), Hall ended up being the crown jewel of Tucker's final recruiting class at Michigan State. As a freshman, he played in all 12 games for the Spartans a season ago, recording 67 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Hall added a pass breakup and fumble recovery to his season statline.

While those numbers are excellent for a first-year collegiate linebacker, Hall should take another leap after a full year in the strength and conditioning program and a season of experience under his belt. Hall started six games for the Spartans a year ago, and is line to be the full-time starter in 2024.

2.) DL Jalen Thompson (So.)

Similar to Hall, Thompson got his feet wet as a true freshman in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder appeared in eight games and made four starts for the Spartans down the stretch. Thompson's numbers were more modest at 19 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery but, in a limited roll, he showed off the talent which made him a Top 230 and four-star recruit.

With Michigan State switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme next season, we could see Thompson move from defensive tackle to defensive end this fall, where he's got an excellent shot to start opposite sixth-year senior Khris Bogle. While one of Michigan State's younger defensive lineman, Thompson is also one of the most talented players on this roster, and he's due for a big jump in playing time and production in 2024.

3.) EDGE Bai Jobe (R-Fr.)

The highest-ranked player of Michigan State's 2023 class, Jobe had a different first-year experience than his two classmates above. The highly-touted edge rusher prospect was on the field for just 11 snaps and made two tackles in all of 2023. Jobe dealt with some knicks and bruises throughout the year and ultimately ended up taking a redshirt season.

Still, Jobe was a borderline five-star talent coming out of high school, ranked No. 54 overall in the country. The native of Norman, Oklahoma has all the makings for a future star, but he needed to add mass to his athletic frame. That's exactly what he's done with a full year of strength and conditioning under his belt, going from 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds when he arrived as a freshman to 6-foot-4, 252 pounds as a sophomore this spring.

In Rossi's defense, Jobe projects as a perfect fit as a standup edge rusher. If his potential is realized, this is the type of guy who can be a terror for opposing quarterbacks. Jobe's mix of size, length and speed could have offensive tackles shaking in their boots as well.

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