Jonathan Smith already raving about freshman DL Derrick Simmons

Fall camp has officially begun for Michigan State football and second-year head coach Jonathan Smith is already raving about some of his new players.

Smith has spoken highly of his team and the fall camp teaser that the Spartans' official X account posted on Tuesday has fans excited about what to expect in 2025. While expectations may be tempered due to back-to-back-to-back bowl-less seasons, they're slowly rising with every positive quote coming out of fall practice.

Everyone wants to know the status of the team's health, which Smith said is good and there are no season-ending injuries, just cautious approaches with a few players, as well as who is already standing out and could break out in 2025.

Smith hinted at a freshman defensive lineman closing in on breakout status.

What was the context in which Smith was raving about his four-star incoming freshman defensive lineman? That answer may be even more intriguing that the teaser tweet above.

The first name out of Smith's mouth when talking about standout performers was Simmons.

This is a pretty interesting development and it should give the defense a nice boost heading into the season, and we all know that line needs it. The Spartans were one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the Power Four last season, so adding a guy like Simmons who has the frame and potential to be a star on this defense should only help matters.

The fact that he's only a freshman and already making waves in his first fall practice alludes to him becoming a star in East Lansing before his time is up.

It feels like Simmons is going to be that next great defensive lineman.