MSU Football Position Group Breakdown: Defensive End
Football season is here. Michigan State is on a mission to bounce back this season after falling short of their goals in 2022. Getting back on track starts against Central Michigan on Sept. 1.
MSU’s defensive unit as a whole is looking to improve. Injuries and suspensions plagued the Spartans throughout last season. With nearly everyone back, Michigan State looks to make a jump.
The final unit of this series has been a big topic this offseason for various different reasons. With transfers, incoming freshmen and many returning from injuries, the defensive ends are a vital position group.
Projected Starters
By the end of last season, this position group was ravaged by injury and suspension, so much so that interior defensive lineman were playing on the outside. As a result, Michigan State struggled mightily to contain outside runs. Fortunately, the Spartans made it a priority to add depth at defensive end this offseason, with two incoming freshman and two transfers joining several guys returning off the injured list.
Texas A&M transfer Tunmise Adeleye looks to come in and play right away. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, the former Top 50 high school recruit has the build for Big Ten football. Setting the edge is something the Spartans will need to do to improve on last season’s run defense, and Adeleye can help with that.
As for the other projected starter, Khris Bogle returns from injury and is expected to be an impact player. Michigan State needs to reestablish a pass rush to improve theri much-maligned pass defense, and that’s an area in which Bogle can excel when healthy.
The Spartans have some depth at defensive end. Last season, guys like Zion Young, Brandon Wright and Avery Dunn each got opportunities when the starters went down. All three will play in the rotation again this year, but Young and Dunn still have an opportunity to win a starting job. Linebacker Jacoby Windmon could also play on the edge on passing downs this season.
Under the Radar Player
One guy who hasn’t gotten much publicity this offseason is Penn State transfer Ken Talley, a former four-star recruit who signed with the Nittany Lions but ultimately wound up in East Lansing after requesting to be released from his letter of intent to PSU.
Talley joined the Spartans during last season but was ineligible to play or practice because he switched programs outside of the allotted transfer window in 2022. At minimum, Talley adds depth and is another young player who can develop over time, but he has an opportunity to be in the rotation immediately. With new defensive line coach Dirion Reynolds, everyone is competing for a job.
I also considered true freshman Bai Jobe for this spot, but as a Top 75 national recruit and ESPN’s pick to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year, it’s hard to call Jobe an “under the radar” guy.
How This Group Can Improve
Like I mentioned before, the pass defense can improve if the defensive ends create pressure on the quarterback and force quicker throws or, in a best case scenario, mistakes. Michigan State’s defensive ends also need to do a better job of containing the quarterback to the pocket on extended plays.
With Bogle returning, there is reasonable optimism that MSU’s pass rush will improve. Windmon playing as an edge rusher on passing downs will also be a big help. The Spartans go up against a fair amount of ‘Air Raid’ teams, so the pass rush is vital. Who of the group of Jobe, Young, Dunn, and Talley will emerge as a breakout player and help on the other side? Michigan State has depth, the next step is fitting the pieces together and getting the right personnel on the field at the right time.
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