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Michigan State Football: 3 players who improved the most in 2020

By Conner Linsner

Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown celebrities his interception against Northwestern during the second half of MSU's 29-20 win at Spartan Stadium at Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.Msu
Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown celebrities his interception against Northwestern during the second half of MSU's 29-20 win at Spartan Stadium at Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.Msu /
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Michigan State’s Michael Fletcher, left, and Naquan Jones hold up four fingers on each hand before the start of the fourth quarter against Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.201128 Msu Northwestern 133a
Michigan State’s Michael Fletcher, left, and Naquan Jones hold up four fingers on each hand before the start of the fourth quarter against Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.201128 Msu Northwestern 133a /

One of the most accomplished players this season for Mel Tucker has been redshirt freshman Michal Fletcher. In just five games this season, Fletcher is tied for the lead in sacks for Michigan State with three. Along with that, he has recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and he has two pass deflections.

Last year, Fletcher played in just one game. His hard work this past offseason has paid off. In an expanded role against Ohio State, he had two sacks and two tackles for loss. He was in the Buckeyes’ backfield often.

His large 6-foot-6 frame with long arms is something Tucker looks for in a defensive lineman, so it’s not a surprise that he has flourished in the new system. Watching Fletcher he seems like a future NFL defensive end.

Fletcher’s pass-rush ability is still a bit raw, and he isn’t the greatest athlete, but his combination of size, length and motor is something that will be an issue for opposing offensive lines the next few years. He is still just scratching the surface of his potential.

It also does not surprise me Alabama, Georgia, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa all offered him out of high school. Fletcher has an opportunity to be another great product of defensive line coach Ron Burton. This season has been very strong for Fletcher, Spartan fans should be excited to watch even more improvement from him in the near future.

Next. MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for December. dark

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