Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: 3 breakout candidates on defense for 2021

By Connor Muldowney

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Iowa sophomore running back Tyler Goodson is wrapped up by Michigan State’s Jalen Hunt at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.20201107 Hawkeyesvsmsu
Iowa sophomore running back Tyler Goodson is wrapped up by Michigan State’s Jalen Hunt at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020.20201107 Hawkeyesvsmsu /

I think I speak for just about everyone who watched the spring game and who followed headlines this offseason when I say that I’m expecting big things from Jalen Hunt this season.

The sophomore defensive tackle flashed some greatness during the spring and even drew some lofty praise from Darien Harris during the Green & White Scrimmage when he stated that Hunt could become one of the best defensive linemen Michigan State has ever seen.

When you hear that from a former player who is on the current staff, your ears have to perk up and you have to start believing the hype.

Hunt played in just two games last season in Mel Tucker’s first year, totaling three tackles and two tackles for loss. Those numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away, but in limited action, he showed that he can find his way into the backfield and wreak some havoc.

Will we see an All-Big Ten season from the sophomore defensive tackle in 2021? Possibly, but I wouldn’t be all that shocked to see his numbers skyrocket and watch him record five-plus sacks.

Home/Spartans Football