We learned a lot of things from Mel Tucker’s appearance at Big Ten Media Days this past week, but nothing may have been more important than the fact that Angelo Grose has the greatest nickname in college football.
The Michigan State football sophomore had a strong opening season in 2020 with 23 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and a pass deflection.
But Tucker believes that he can do more and will be a star on this defense.
Coming to Michigan State as a cornerback recruit, many believed that Grose was going to be Mark Dantonio’s next under-the-radar star defensive back. And then Dantonio retired and Tucker utilized Grose at the nickelback position and he excelled.
Tucker says Grose has “a high IQ and learns quickly” and also handed him quite possibly the best nickname in college football.
Tucker on Angelo “Jello” Grose: “That’s my guy. I call him Sugar Weasel.” Says he has “a high football IQ and learns quickly” and can play multiple positions in the secondary.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) July 23, 2021
“Sugar Weasel” may not make sense to a lot of people and I’ll admit, I had to look it up after hearing Tucker use it to describe Grose. Essentially, it’s an assault rifle that’s been dubbed “a poor man’s Honey Badger”.
So not it makes sense.
We all know who the NFL’s “honey badger” is and that’s Tyrann Mathieu. He earned the nickname because a honey badger is an animal that has a mean streak and that’s hot Mathieu plays.
While a sugar weasel is a weapon and not a feisty animal, it carries the same effect because it’s a “poor man’s honey badger” so the use of the nickname makes sense. And it’s amazing.
Angelo Grose should have big year with Michigan State football
If you’re anything like me, you have extremely high hopes for Grose in his sophomore season as a full-time starter at the nickel spot.
And we aren’t alone.
Darien Harris, a former MSU linebacker who’s currently on the staff, reiterated Tucker’s praise of Grose and offered some of his own.
We’ve seen the Honey Badger and much respect to one of the greatest to ever to do it…but we’ve got a “Sugar Weasel” and his name is @GroseAngelo 😎 just turn on the tape from a year ago. Last season was only a preview…
— Darien Harris (@darienAharris) July 23, 2021
“Last season was only a preview.”
Yeah, Grose is going to be fun to watch in 2021.