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Michigan State Football: Post 2022 National Signing Day depth chart projection

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Jayden Reed #1 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Jayden Reed #1 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Jalen Hunt, right, talks with Jacob Slade during the Meet the Spartans open practice on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210823 Meet The Spartans Football 280a
Michigan State’s Jalen Hunt, right, talks with Jacob Slade during the Meet the Spartans open practice on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210823 Meet The Spartans Football 280a /

Defensive Line

Starting ends: Khris Bogle, Jeff Pietrowski
Backups: Brandon Wright, Michael Fletcher

Florida transfer Khris Bogle was someone new head coach Billy Napier wanted to retain but was unsuccessful in doing so. The 6-4, 242-pound defensive end had 67 career tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in 25 games with the Gators and should have an immediate impact for Michigan State. Jeff Pietrowski should start on the other edge after a breakout 2021 season, finishing with 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

Brandon Wright showed that he could be a solid edge rusher in the Peach Bowl and I think he’ll see his playing time increase and Michael Fletcher is facing a serious make-or-break year.

Starting tackles: Simeon Barrow, Jacob Slade
Backups: Jalen Hunt, Alex VanSumeren

I liked what I saw from Simeon Barrow as a redshirt freshman, getting his first serious action as a Spartan. He finished the season with 34 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks. I expect him to keep improving and taking over on the interior in 2022. Alongside him will be Jacob Slade who had 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. This could be one of the most underrated tackle duos in the nation.

Jalen Hunt was supposed to be a breakout star in 2021, but just couldn’t stay on the field. He played in just five games and had five tackles. Mel Tucker hopes for more consistency and better health for Hunt this season. Alex VanSumeren is an intriguing option to back up the starters as the Spartans’ highest-rated freshman. He has a big future ahead.

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