Michigan State's Legi Suiaunoa Has Luxury of Spartans' Top D-Linemen Returning

Michigan State football has returned some key members of its defensive line, which should help new Spartans defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa tremendously.

With a new regime moving into East Lansing, it was fair to assume players within the Michigan State football program would be testing the waters in the transfer portal.

But there were some key Spartans who stayed, having faith that they can thrive under new leadership and help turn the program back around.

Particularly on the defensive line, Derrick Harmon, Simeon Barrow, Maverick Hansen, Jalen Thompson and Khris Bogle decided to stay in East Lansing. New Spartans defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa was able to play a role in their choices to remain with the Green and White.

"There were a lot of those conversations," Suiaunoa told reporters after the Spartans' spring practice last Tuesday. "The last 10 weeks (of the 2023 season) have been a heck of a deal for them and it wasn't easy on anybody. And so, we try to meet with everybody that was here on the roster, especially that group. It really is more so introducing myself, what they can expect from me, and hopefully the program that we are trying to re-create the success here.

"They have had a lot of success here at Michigan State in the past, and so, those are just the conversations I can tell you. Obviously they have had some scars, and it's not my job to fix those scars. But, it is my job to come in and introduce myself and help them continue to develop as football players and as people."

Bogle, who is heading into his third season with the Spartans, saw the new coaching turnover as an opportunity.

"I feel like that's the main reason I decided to come back," Bogle said. "I talked to Coach [Jonathan] Smith, [Chad] Wilt and [Joe] Rossi, I felt my role here was better, especially being an older guy and being a leader to the younger guys. I felt if I come back, they'll decide to come back."

Bogle made five starts in 10 games as a redshirt senior last season. He posted 14 tackles, 2.0 for loss and 1.5 sacks. The veteran defensive lineman transferred to Michigan State from Florida in 2022.

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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