Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Michigan State Football: 3 breakout candidates on defense for 2021

Nov 28, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker looks on during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Year one of Scottie Hazelton as Michigan State’s defensive coordinator didn’t exactly go as planned, especially with teams that had a pulse offensively, but there’s no way to go but up.

Hazelton returns some big names on this side of the ball such as Xavier Henderson, Jacub Panasiuk, and Kalon Gervin while also bringing in a handful of impressive transfers and freshmen. Guys like Quavaris Crouch, Drew Jordan, and Ben VanSumeren should have big impacts on the defensive side of the ball.