MSU Football Position Group Breakdown: Defensive Tackle

Football is right around the corner. Michigan State is on a mission to bounce back this season after falling short of their goals in 2022. Getting back on track starts against Central Michigan on Sept. 1.

MSU’s defensive unit as a whole is looking to improve. Injuries and suspensions plagued the Spartans throughout last season. With nearly everyone back, Michigan State looks to make a jump.

Today’s unit is one with plenty of upside but also a lot to prove: Defensive Tackle

Projected Starters

Redshirt junior Simeon Barrow is entering his third season as a starting defensive tackle. The 6-foot-3, 290-pounder was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2022, and was a preseason All-Big Ten selection by various media outlets heading into the 2023 season. While Barrow’s first two seasons haven’t produced many “highlight reel” plays, the veteran closes gaps well which allows his teammates to come up and make tackles.

Michigan State will have multiple options for its second starting defensive tackle. Redshirt sophomore Derrick Harmon is a force to be reckoned with in the middle. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder recorded 30 tackles including two sacks in 2022, and his production should go up with another year of experience.

Another option is Colorado graduate transfer Jalen Sami. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds he has tremendous size. Sami had 32 career starts and over 80 tackles at Colorado, bringing a lot of experience with him to MSU’s defensive line. Fifth-year senior Maverick Hansen also brings plenty of experience. Don’t let the five career starts take away from the fact that Hanson played almost 400 snaps at defensive tackle just last season for the Spartans.

Under The Radar Player

Graduate transfer Jarrett Jackson is another player that brings experience to MSU’s front. Playing at Louisville and Florida State before coming to MSU, Jackson is another player that can crack the rotation in East Lansing.

At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, he is another larger body along with Sami. The Spartans added a lot of body mass up front via the transfer portal. Jackson and Sami can really be valuable in short yard packages.

How This Group Can Improve

New defensive line coach Diron Reyonlds has a lot to work with on the interior. Michigan State has the personnel to be able to rotate players, stay fresh and to keep opposing offenses off balance, which will be key to the Spartans success.

MSU’s defensive line depth was ravaged by injury and suspension a year ago, and it showed in the Spartans’ inability to stop the run. Michigan State ranked 102nd out of 131 teams in rushing yards allowed per game (178.6) and T-85th in yards allowed per carry (4.29) last season.

As a result of the limited depth, Harmon, Barrow and Maverick had to play a ton of snaps for the Spartans, which wore them down as games progressed. With Michigan State’s added depth, and all the experience that last season’s guys got, this unit figures to be much improved and perhaps the best unit on the field for the Spartans.