Michigan State University Athletics
Kurtis Drummond: Family Ties
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Nick Barnowski, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Kurtis Drummond's biggest supporter is also his best friend.
Whether he has five tackles or zero, an interception or just a broken-up pass, the 22-year-old's mom, Evette, is always there with a smile on her face to tell him he played well.
She's one of the reasons why the senior safety credits his family as the biggest influences in his life.
"That's my hero, that's somebody I look up to," Drummond said of his mother. "She's always smiling, always positive. It's hard to even describe the type of person she is."
Drummond, who has 214 total tackles and 11 interceptions in his career, thrives on making his mother smile, but wouldn't be patrolling the Spartan secondary if not for his brother, Julian.
"I got into football because of my brother," Drummond said. "He was the three-sport athlete in baseball, football and track. He was the person I looked up to growing up."
Drummond's grandmother, Ether Pierce, instilled discipline in him, while being the youngest gave his siblings the opportunity to toughen him up.
Now, in his final season on the Michigan State football team, the 6-foot-1 Drummond draws on his family for inspiration and uses it on the gridiron. He's emerged as an All-Big Ten safety and a leader on and off the field for the Spartans.
"Just seeing how much I've grown and matured, to see what kind of man I've become," Drummond said, "I've come so far."
He's blossomed into a leader in the locker room and in August he was named a captain by his teammates, an honor he called a blessing.
"It was truly humbling to be appointed to this position," he said. "I'm a guy who likes to not only lead by example but lead vocally."
Being named captain was just another step in his football career, which took off at Hubbard High School in Ohio. Playing for coach Brian Hoffman, he was a three-year starter and starred at free safety and wide receiver.
He finished up his high school career as Scout.com's No. 69 safety in the nation and was ranked among the top 50 seniors in Ohio by Rivals.com. Recruiting offers started to come in, and Drummond eventually chose Michigan State.
Drummond said it was the best decision he's ever made.
"It's amazing to be able to come into contact with coaches like (Harlon) Barnett and (Pat) Narduzzi," Drummond said. "You wouldn't want to play anywhere else as a safety."
Playing for Narduzzi's defense comes with pressure and responsibility, but Drummond and his teammates, past and present, have made it a force to be reckoned with. The secondary, dubbed the "No Fly Zone" by former All-American Spartan and current Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard, has carved a reputation for thwarting the opposition's aerial attack.
In 2013, MSU had the nation's best defense in passing efficiency, and was No. 3 in passing yards allowed. Drummond was a major reason for that, as he had four interceptions that helped him be named an All-America honorable mention by SI.com.
"It's fun, especially when you get on social media and see how many people around the country know about it," said Drummond about the "No Fly Zone."
After a 2013 season that ended with a Rose Bowl Championship, Drummond has had to remember that last year means nothing when it comes to chasing success this year.
"It's really just understanding that it's a new year," he said. "You want to set the bar high for yourself. I'm definitely still chasing those goals, but if you ever reach your expectations, then you settled too low."
Through 10 games this season he leads the team in tackles (53), pass break-ups (9) and interceptions (3). In the win over Michigan, MSU's sixth over the Wolverines in the past seven years, Drummond posted six tackles, including a 4-yard sack, and broke up two passes as the Spartans limited Michigan to just 186 yards of total offense.
Drummond is focused on doing whatever he can to ensure postseason success once again. Off the field, though, he is one class away from graduating with a psychology degree. He'll be the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college.
"It means the world," he said. "My mom's so happy. She's always making sure I'm doing good in the classroom just because she wants me to graduate."
Drummond will leave Michigan State as one of its most accomplished safeties ever, but he simply wants to be known as a good person.
"I want to be remembered as a leader," said Drummond, "and a guy that was approachable, always smiling, and optimistic."
This feature was originally published in the Nov. 8 edition of Michigan State Football Gameday Magazine. Drummond will be one of 20 seniors recognized in a pregame ceremony Saturday at Spartan Stadium on Senior Day.
