Michigan State University Athletics
Michael Bazemore: Tackling Athletics and Academics
9/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2005
Known as a hard-nosed competitor and a team player, fifth-year defensive end Michael Bazemore is willing to do whatever it takes on and off the field. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies-social science from Michigan State in May 2005, Bazemore decided to return to MSU for his true senior season this fall, after red-shirting his first year. Currently pursuing a second bachelor's degree in sociology, the Philadelphia, Pa., native is once again focused on his school work and helping the Spartans succeed.
A Prep Star All-American and an all-state linebacker in high school, Bazemore showcased his talents from day one as Spartan, shining in both athletics and academics. Taking a red-shirt his first year, he made an immediate impact while on the practice squad, being twice named the Spartan Scout Team Player of the Week. In his true freshman season, Bazemore quietly broke in to the spotlight at outside linebacker, gaining recognition at MSU. He appeared in six games that season for the Green and White, playing a season-high 24.5 minutes in the home finale against Purdue. Bazemore's accomplishments in the classroom were also getting him noticed, earning an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
During the spring season, Bazemore was asked to move from outside linebacker to defensive end. It was a tough transition initially, as he appeared in only five games in 2003. But with his work ethic and determination, Bazemore made it happen. He just wanted to play football and help the Spartans in any way possible. Midway through the season, he matched his career high with three tackles against Illinois.
"The move was a little difficult at first," Bazemore commented. "I still wanted to read like a linebacker instead of just coming off and reading my keys as you have to do as a defensive end. My friends just kept telling me to keep my head up and that things would change."
Bazemore quickly made the adjustment though, playing in 11 games his junior season, cracking the starting line-up three times. He recorded his first career sack that season, a 12 yard loss, against Central Michigan. He was also continuing to achieve in the classroom, being named as the football team's scholar-athlete of the month in September 2004. Becoming more comfortable in his new position every day, Bazemore began to emerge as a leader on the Spartan squad.
With his last season upon him, Bazemore is more focused on his game than ever.
"I returned this year to finish out my senior season on the field and earn my second degree," remarked Bazemore. "It takes hard work and dedication but that's just part of stepping up and being a man."
After preseason camp, he is expected to take over as the starting defensive end, replacing graduated three-year starter Cliff Dukes. Often deceiving opponents, Bazemore's linebacker speed works to his advantage on the line as a defensive end.
In his short period of time working with the 6-3, 270-pound, Bazemore, first-year defensive line coach Lucious Selmon was quickly impressed.
"He's one of those athletes that gives you a lot of different things you can do with him without running different players out on the field," Selmon commented. "We have some plays where we still put him back there at the linebacker position. All those things he can do within himself without having to worry about a whole lot of substitutions."
A humble leader, Bazemore truly understands what it means to be part of a team.
"I wanted to play, so when coach asked me to move it's just something you do," said Bazemore. "It's not about you; it not just one tackle, everyone has a responsibility every play. Football is a team sport so everyone has to come together to get the goal done."
"I think that every player on this team respects Michael Bazemore," Selmon stated. "Michael is one of those guys that you can kind of laugh with, but at the same time you can just tell by his demeanor that he is focused and a serious type person when it comes down to the business side of things."
With a true passion for competition, Bazemore would like to stay surrounded by sports after his departure from Michigan State.
"I would like to work for a Fortune 500 company, one that is dealing with sports equipment possibly in the resources department," Bazemore said. "I just want to make my family proud; my mom, grandmother, my father. Inside of school, I just wanted to get my degree. I keep my head up and know that things will work out."
With two degrees under his belt and his willingness to do what ever needs to be done to help the greater cause, there is little question that things in life will work out for Michael Bazemore.
By Kristin Keirns, MSU Sports Information
