Michigan State football: Mel Tucker gushes about Jalen Sami

Mel Tucker is no stranger to the transfer portal. Since he’s been at Michigan State, he’s landed double-digit transfers every year, and that’s a big reason he’s been able to add depth to his roster.

Each year, there seems to be a guy that was either a late addition or an under-the-radar one who shatters expectations. This year, that might just be Colorado defensive tackle Jalen Sami.

Tucker spoke highly of the former Buffalo this week.

According to Stephen Brooks of 247Sports, Tucker was gushing over Sami at Big Ten Media Days.

"“He’s a good player. He’s a big body. He’s athletic. He’s a great guy. When he hit the portal, I mean there was literally some running in the hallway. Guys were running trying to get it done.”"

The part of that quote that really stood out to me was: “Guys were running trying to get it done.”

Sami was that big of a deal that the staff was scrambling to make sure they were able to land him in the transfer portal. That speaks volumes to the type of production they expect from the mammoth transfer from Colorado.

Michigan State football needs that depth at defensive tackle

Tucker mentioned that the depth at tackle was a big reason why the staff pursued Sami so heavily in the portal even with his past production not exactly being elite.

Sami did have 55 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles over the past two seasons which makes me believe that he’s only getting better. And he’s a load to handle at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. In the middle of that defensive line, he’s going to be a massive run-stuffer.

Hearing Tucker speak so highly of his former player at Colorado makes me believe his role is going to be large this season. Breakout year coming for Sami?