Michigan State Football: Dantonio era comparisons for key 2020 players

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 30: Linebacker Antjuan Simmons #34 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Antjuan Simmons

Mark Dantonio era comparison: Denicos Allen

As we approach the 2020 season, Antjuan Simmons is the consensus leader of this defense. He walked up on stage to give a speech when head coach Mel Tucker was hired and he’ll almost definitely be selected as a captain.

The main point of comparison that attaches Denicos Allen to Simmons is less tangible than most of the other players on this list. Allen, of course, is most known for making the huge stop to set MSU up for a Big Ten Championship win in 2013.

Allen and Simmons both play with extremely high energy and constantly make plays that get the crowd going. Simmons may not have too much experience yet, but he didn’t need a ton of it to prove that he’s one of the best players on this team. Don’t be surprised if he takes this opportunity and runs with it.

In his first year with significant playing time, Simmons put up strong numbers and made countless standout plays with 15 tackles for loss and three sacks. He has a certain swagger about him that makes you believe in him as a player.

Expect his numbers to improve as he becomes the leader of this new-look Scottie Hazleton defense and don’t be shocked if he’s the next guy making huge plays in the green and white.

Home/Spartans Football