Michigan State University Athletics
David Stanton: Looking to Put Out the Fire
9/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 9, 2006
To be a firefighter, you must be brave and courageous. You must be able to work on a team and think quickly on your feet in emergency situations. You must be strong and agile, to carry over 50 pounds of equipment as you work through a blaze. Michigan State senior defensive tackle David Stanton possesses all of these qualities, but admits, at 290 pounds, he might want to shed a few pounds after football before he begins his career.
Stanton says that ever since he was a little boy he always wanted to do two things: be a firefighter and play football. While at College of the Canyons, a junior college in Santa Clarita, Calif., Stanton earned a degree in fire technology and was a member of the highly renowned Cougar JUCO football program. Stanton also met a very close friend at College of the Canyons, a person who would help influence his decision to hold off becoming a firefighter for a few more years to attend Michigan State - former MSU standout and current Cincinnati Bengal, Domata Peko.
"I love Domata, that is my boy," Stanton stated. "We went to school together and I love him. If it wasn't for Domata and Daniel Zynn (also a JUCO transfer from College of the Canyons and current Spartan), I probably wouldn't be at Michigan State. They told me it was a comfortable environment and that I should look into coming here, and I took Domata's word."
Transferring to Michigan State before last season, Stanton immediately fit in as a Spartan. The Los Angeles native saw action in 10 of 11 games in 2005, including three starting assignments at defensive tackle (vs. Hawaii, Notre Dame and Illinois). This season, Stanton continues to add depth to an improved defensive line, and looks to fill the spot vacated by Peko. While Stanton knows Peko was a huge influence on him and there are similarities in their arrival to MSU, Stanton wants to make his own name at State.
"Domata is one my best friends and a great football player, but I can only be David Stanton," commented Stanton. "I'm just trying to be the best David Stanton I can be."
Stanton admits when he arrived at Michigan State, it was hard for him to be the best he could be. The Big Ten atmosphere, the level of play and the speed was something he wasn't accustomed to in junior college. He would have to work and continue working to be the best David Stanton he could be.
"Things aren't as fast in junior college as they are on the Division I level," Stanton stated. "Getting stronger, faster and better helped me out a lot. I had to study my opponents and improve my foot speed and technique. The coaching staff helped me get stronger in the weight room and they have made the transition from junior college easier. It takes hard work, but I feel more comfortable, especially with a year under my belt, with the defensive scheme and the coaching staff."
First-year defensive line coach Derrick Jackson says working with Stanton this year has been a great experience. A hard-nosed player, Stanton was always willing to do what it took to improve.
"David is a guy that really made my job easier when I got here," Jackson said. "He is a senior that has some playing experience and is a player that is very coachable and bright. He's the type of player that always wants to improve. I remember talking to him about his footwork and hand placement everyday. I watched him on film and told him, `You could be a phenomenal football player.' I'm not saying he was a bad player last year, but I thought he was just beginning to scratch the surface. I kept forgetting he was a junior college transfer, where last year was his first year at this level. He had to go through the learning process and some of the growing pains. When I was watching him in the spring, I knew we had something special up front.
"He also responds the way you want a kid to respond," Jackson added. "He doesn't complain, he just performs. With him, you get a senior with leadership and a hard worker. It is hard to find interior guys with his athleticism that can put pressure on the quarterback. He does a great job with one-on-one pass rush drills. I saw him work especially hard this summer and I expect it to pay off in the fall."
Stanton attributes his hard work ethic back to his family. After his father passed away last January 17th, Stanton switched jersey numbers in memory of his father. He now wears the number 17. His mother too, has had a huge impact on her son.
"My mom always says, `Actions speak louder than words,' and we want our actions on Saturday to speak loud," Stanton stated. "Everyone doubts our defense, but we know what we can do. We look at each opponent as a great opponent with great talent. We prepare for each team the same way, they are all equal.
"My goal is to make the team better, win more games and get to a bowl game," Stanton added. "This is a team effort and there are no individuals. This is a family."
Stanton's work ethic and teamwork will no doubt be on display after his football career - but instead of helping his team win football games, he will be in a different uniform, looking to put out blazing fires while saving lives.
By Kristin Keirns, MSU Sports Information intern
