Michigan State Football: 3 unheralded players halfway through 2021 season

The Michigan State defensive line has been a huge bright spot this season, and Jacob Slade is a big part of that.

Slade, a redshirt junior, has been around the program since 2018. He’s worked his way into being a starter, and he’s been one of the most consistent contributors in stopping opposing teams’ run games, and sometimes even getting to the quarterback in the passing game.

Slade had a sack against Nebraska, which was his best game of the season and also the best game of his career, on his way to eight total tackles and two tackles for loss. He recorded a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter of the blowout win against Rutgers after a massive hit from Simeon Barrow. Alongside Barrow, Slade has been the Spartans’ best defensive tackle, and he’s been an engine for a defensive line that has wreaked havoc all year.

Slade is another guy who doesn’t get the love he deserves, because he doesn’t post the flashy numbers that Xavier Henderson and Jacub Panasiuk do. But Slade is a consistent and reliable defensive tackle, and he should continue to make his way into the backfield. If he can improve his pass-rushing skills, MSU will be a nightmare for coaches to game plan for.