Michigan State’s defensive line needs improvement

Michigan State and coach Jonathan Smith suffered a significant loss at the start of the offseason when nearly 20 scholarship players entered the transfer portal at once. Arguably the most affected position on the Spartans’ roster was defensive line, where two starters with the potential to play at the next level entered the portal.

Coach Smith and his coaching staff used the transfer portal admirably to replace some of the talent they lost. Despite having one of the best transfer portal classes in the country, the Spartans have yet to acquire equivalent talent to replace the players they lost on the defensive line.

Cody Nagel of 247Sports ranks the Spartans’ defensive line – consisting of defensive ends Khris Bogle, Quindarius Dunnigan, Avery Dunn, Anthony Jones, Jalen Thompson and defensive tackles D’Quan Douse, Maverick Hansen and Ben Roberts – as the 16th best defensive line of the 18 teams in the Big Ten.

“There was optimism about Michigan State’s defensive line this spring until Simeon Barrow and Derrick Harmon hit the transfer portal,” Nagel said. “Those two late departures really set this Spartans position group back, as they now don’t have a single starter returning for 2024. Michigan State needs Douse and Hansen to prove themselves as quality players at the defensive tackle position.

“The new coaching staff again used the portal in May to add depth to the defensive line. Dunnigan joins Michigan State in 2023 after his best season at Middle Tennessee. He was named to the Second Team All-Conference USA after recording 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and eight pass breakups.”

Although Michigan State’s defensive line undoubtedly suffered a setback early in the offseason when many players from Michigan State’s roster entered the transfer portal, Smith and his coaching staff continue their efforts to rebuild both the offensive and defensive lines through the transfer portal and recruiting campaign.

As Smith sets out to rebuild Michigan State’s football program, he and his coaching staff must continue to focus on recruiting talent to the defensive line. While Smith has proven that the defensive line is a priority, he must find a way to recruit as much talent to the defensive line as possible if Michigan State wants to be competitive any time soon.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook Spartan Nation IF YOU CLICK HEREand become part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White IF YOU CLICK HERE.