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Michigan State football: 3 breakout candidates on defense for 2023

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham (1) and defensive back Dillon Tatum (21) warm up before the game against Western Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.
Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham (1) and defensive back Dillon Tatum (21) warm up before the game against Western Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. /
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Sep 10, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers running back Camerun Peoples (6) rushes against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye (30) in the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Appalachian State Mountaineers running back Camerun Peoples (6) rushes against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Tunmise Adeleye (30) in the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Tunmise Adeleye is the one guy I’m most looking forward to on the defensive side of the ball outside of Cal Haladay and Jacoby Windmon, and it’s because I think he’s going to be in the same breath as them by the end of the season.

The Texas A&M transfer picked Michigan State because of his relationship with Brandon Jordan and when he left, some were worried that Adeleye would leave, too. But he stuck it out.

And now, it looks like he’s going to be that next star on the defensive line.

What he’s going to benefit most from is talent around him on the line like Khris Bogle, Bai Jobe, Alex VanSumeren, Andrew Depaepe, Simeon Barrow, and Maverick Hansen, among others. He’s going to benefit from not having the main focus with others around him getting a lot, too.

Adeleye had just six total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss last season in two games, but clearly he’s capable of being disruptive when given the opportunity.

I see big numbers coming his way in 2023.

Next. Which FBS teams has MSU football never played?. dark

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