Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Feature Depth, Experience on Defensive Line in 2021
3/31/2021 11:14:00 AM | Football
Experience, it has been said, can be the best teacher. And that's exactly what two-time National Defensive Line Coach of the Year Ron Burton is counting on with his position group in 2021.
Although the Spartans are losing defensive tackle Naquan Jones, who earned an invite to the 2021 NFL Combine and is currently preparing for the NFL Draft, Michigan State is returning six players with starting experience on the defensive line, including two seniors coming back for an extra year in 2021 in ends Drew Beesley and Jacub Panasiuk, which should pay huge dividends in the fall.
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In addition, the Spartans added midyear graduate transfer Drew Jordan from Duke in January; Jordan started 21 games at defensive end for the Blue Devils from 2017-2020.
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"Well, number one, what I'm excited about the group is the fact that they're a veteran group," said Burton, who is entering his ninth year on the defensive staff at Michigan State. "We got some young guys in behind it, but we have the ability for more people to help coach the group up. And that's what's exciting from the defensive end position with four seniors up front, to the defensive tackles inside, we have other people other than myself with great examples, who have been through the wars and what Coach Tucker wants: being able to play with pad level, being able to motivate, being able to understand that it has to be done on a daily basis, an every play basis, and being consistent with it. That's what we like about this group.
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"The outlook is to be the best defensive line we can be…We have a group of guys that have some veteran experience up front, and that starts with the two defensive ends, Drew Beesley and Jacub Panasiuk."
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Beesley earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from Pro Football Focus in 2020 after posting a career-high 27 tackles with 5.5 TFLs and a career-best three sacks in starting all seven games. A three-year letterwinner, Beesley has played in 33 career games and has 11.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks in his career.
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"No doubt, it's Coach Beesley to us," said Burton on Beesley's experience and his decision to return for a sixth year. "But being able to play both inside and out, and being a positive guy in the room. He is a true leader up front. What we asked him to do with coming back for a sixth year allows him to improve his pass rush inside, and as you can tell we use him in both places, and I think that's something that he wants to continue to make his craft better by utilizing a little bit more speed and power because he plays with awesome power up front.
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"I'll tell you what, he does a great job of retaining and improving himself all the time, but what I see just from watching him, is his ability to coach everyone else. His ability to improve and help each and everyone around him. That's what I love about Drew Beesley. I think he's going to improve; not just his consistency and pass rush, but also on first and second down."
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A three-year starting defensive end, Panasiuk also elected to return for another season. He has played in 44 career games, including 30 starts, and leads all active Spartans in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (9) while ranking tied for second in tackles (105). He had started 29 consecutive games before missing the 2020 season finale at Penn State due to an injury.
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"The expectation is for (Jacub) to be a leader," said Burton, and to "understand the process and be able to help other guys around it. The experience should be shared by example, and by being able to coach those guys up. That's what we expect."
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Jordan brings another veteran presence to the outside after a productive career at Duke. He played in played in 48 games for the Blue Devils from 2017-20, including 21 starts, and compiled 102 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
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"With the experience of having been a starter before coming here it's plus for us," Burton said of Jordan. "He's a student of the game, has great pass rush ability, and also plays with great power. Just being a great example to the young guys up front and what he's done and how he's been coached at other places, and that helps improve and reaffirm what we're teaching here too. So he has been a pleasure, on and off the field. I think it's just been like having another coach on the field also."
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Three-year letterwinner Jack Camper also has starting experience at defensive end, and has 28 tackles with 4.5 TFLs in 25 career games. He played a career-high 249 snaps in 2020 with a career-best 18 tackles and two TFLs.
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Michael Fletcher (R-So.) showed his potential last season, earning his first letter after playing in all seven games (169 snaps) at defensive end. He racked up 12 tackles, including 3.5 TFLs and three sacks, in a reserve role and will looking to increase his playing time in the fall. Jeff Pietrowski, who lettered as a true freshman last season and played 48 snaps on defense, will also compete for additional playing time.
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Third-year player Brandon Wright, who lettered as a running back in 2019-20 but is 6-2, 240 pounds, will transition to defensive end in the spring, while DeAri Todd (R-Sr.), Zach Slade (R-Jr.), Avery Dunn (R-Fr.), Jasiyah Robinson (R-Fr.) also provide depth at the position.
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Along the interior, Jacob Slade (R-Jr.) started all seven games at defensive tackle last year and tallied 13 tackles in 274 snaps. He has 536 snaps under his belt the past two seasons and looks to lead the group of defensive tackles in 2021.
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Jalen Hunt (R-So.) and Dashaun Mallory (R-Jr.) both earned starting assignments last season and will likely see an increased role this season with Jones graduating. Hunt earned his first career start vs. Indiana on Nov. 14 and played 151 snaps before missing the final two games of the season to an injury, while Mallory started two games (Northwestern, Ohio State) and logged 200 snaps with 15 tackles, three TFLs and two sacks.
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Maverick Hansen (R-So.) saw his time expanded in the second half of the season and played 53 snaps in six games to earn his first letter. Several younger players, including Simeon Barrow (R-Fr.), Evan Brunning (R-So.), Kyle King (R-Fr.), Jacob Lafave (R-So.) and Chris Mayfield (R-Fr.), will also compete for playing time.
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"Maverick plays with good pad level and strength; he plays with great power, so that's what we love about him," remarked Burton. "Dashaun Mallory, who has lost some weight, really made him a little bit more dynamic. He's lost 25-30 pounds and it's allowed him to have a lot more movement.
"Jacob Slade…(is) playing with great power and push, he's just managing to be able to run with it at all times. Jalen Hunt, he's doing the same thing…Strength and conditioning has allowed that to happen, and our nutritionist has allowed to see the fruits of that labor already with those guys being able to play with great strength and pad level, but they're reducing their body fat through this system, and it's been great."
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The Spartans signed three defensive linemen in their 2021 recruiting class: DT Derrick Harmon (Detroit, Mich., 6-6, 350), DE Alex Okelo (Nashville, Tenn.; 6-6, 215) and DL Tyson Watson (Roseville, Mich.; 6-6, 275).
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In addition to Burton, Secchia Family Defensive Coordinator Scottie Hazelton also assists with the defensive ends.
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SPARTAN DEFENSIVE LINE CAPSULE
Players returning (19)
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Defensive Ends (10):
#86 Drew Beesley (3L, Gr.-6, 6-2, 260, 7 games/7 starts, 27 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FF, 3 QBH)
#91 Jack Camper (3L, R-Sr., 6-5, 255, 7 games/1 start, 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 2 QBH, 1 FR)
#98 Avery Dunn (R-Fr., 6-4, 235)
#5 Michael Fletcher (1L, R-So., 6-6, 255, 7 games, 12 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs)
#96 Jacub Panasiuk (4L, Sr.-5, 6-4, 250, 6 games/6 starts, 25 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 2 QBH)
#48 Jeff Pietrowski (1L, So., 6-1, 250, 7 games, 4 tackles, 1 QBH)
#87 Jasiyah Robinson (R-Fr., 6-2, 245)
#55 Zach Slade (R-So., 6-4, 245)
#92 DeAri Todd (R-Sr., 6-2, 265)
#26 Brandon Wright (Jr., 6-2, 240)
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Defensive Tackles (9):
#8 Simeon Barrow (R-Fr., 6-2, 280)
#57 Evan Brunning (R-So., 6-5, 295)
#97 Maverick Hansen (1L, R-So., 310, 6 games, 2 tackles)
#99 Jalen Hunt (1L, R-So., 5 games/1 start, 5 tackles, 2 TFLs)
#54 Kyle King (R-Fr., 6-3, 260)
#63 Jacob LaFave (1L, R-So., 6-4, 295, 7 games)
#94 Dashaun Mallory (1L, R-So., 6-2, 300, 7 games/2 starts, 15 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 QBH)
#30 Chris Mayfield (R-Fr., 6-2, 295)
#64 Jacob Slade (2L, R-Jr., 6-4, 310, 7 games/7 starts, 13 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 3 QBH)
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Newcomers/Transfers (1):
DE Drew Jordan (Gr.-5, 6-3, 285, 11 games/2 starts at DE at Duke in 2020, 35 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks)
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Incoming players for fall 2021 (3):
DT Derrick Harmon (Fr., 6-6, 350)
DE Alex Okelo (Fr., 6-6, 215)
DL Tyson Watson (Fr., 6-6, 275)
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Letterwinners lost (1):
NT Naquan Jones (4L, 7 games/4 starts, 24 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR)
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Although the Spartans are losing defensive tackle Naquan Jones, who earned an invite to the 2021 NFL Combine and is currently preparing for the NFL Draft, Michigan State is returning six players with starting experience on the defensive line, including two seniors coming back for an extra year in 2021 in ends Drew Beesley and Jacub Panasiuk, which should pay huge dividends in the fall.
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In addition, the Spartans added midyear graduate transfer Drew Jordan from Duke in January; Jordan started 21 games at defensive end for the Blue Devils from 2017-2020.
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"Well, number one, what I'm excited about the group is the fact that they're a veteran group," said Burton, who is entering his ninth year on the defensive staff at Michigan State. "We got some young guys in behind it, but we have the ability for more people to help coach the group up. And that's what's exciting from the defensive end position with four seniors up front, to the defensive tackles inside, we have other people other than myself with great examples, who have been through the wars and what Coach Tucker wants: being able to play with pad level, being able to motivate, being able to understand that it has to be done on a daily basis, an every play basis, and being consistent with it. That's what we like about this group.
Â
"The outlook is to be the best defensive line we can be…We have a group of guys that have some veteran experience up front, and that starts with the two defensive ends, Drew Beesley and Jacub Panasiuk."
Â
Beesley earned third-team All-Big Ten honors from Pro Football Focus in 2020 after posting a career-high 27 tackles with 5.5 TFLs and a career-best three sacks in starting all seven games. A three-year letterwinner, Beesley has played in 33 career games and has 11.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks in his career.
Â
"No doubt, it's Coach Beesley to us," said Burton on Beesley's experience and his decision to return for a sixth year. "But being able to play both inside and out, and being a positive guy in the room. He is a true leader up front. What we asked him to do with coming back for a sixth year allows him to improve his pass rush inside, and as you can tell we use him in both places, and I think that's something that he wants to continue to make his craft better by utilizing a little bit more speed and power because he plays with awesome power up front.
Â
"I'll tell you what, he does a great job of retaining and improving himself all the time, but what I see just from watching him, is his ability to coach everyone else. His ability to improve and help each and everyone around him. That's what I love about Drew Beesley. I think he's going to improve; not just his consistency and pass rush, but also on first and second down."
Â
A three-year starting defensive end, Panasiuk also elected to return for another season. He has played in 44 career games, including 30 starts, and leads all active Spartans in tackles for loss (21) and sacks (9) while ranking tied for second in tackles (105). He had started 29 consecutive games before missing the 2020 season finale at Penn State due to an injury.
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"The expectation is for (Jacub) to be a leader," said Burton, and to "understand the process and be able to help other guys around it. The experience should be shared by example, and by being able to coach those guys up. That's what we expect."
Â
Jordan brings another veteran presence to the outside after a productive career at Duke. He played in played in 48 games for the Blue Devils from 2017-20, including 21 starts, and compiled 102 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Â
"With the experience of having been a starter before coming here it's plus for us," Burton said of Jordan. "He's a student of the game, has great pass rush ability, and also plays with great power. Just being a great example to the young guys up front and what he's done and how he's been coached at other places, and that helps improve and reaffirm what we're teaching here too. So he has been a pleasure, on and off the field. I think it's just been like having another coach on the field also."
Â
Three-year letterwinner Jack Camper also has starting experience at defensive end, and has 28 tackles with 4.5 TFLs in 25 career games. He played a career-high 249 snaps in 2020 with a career-best 18 tackles and two TFLs.
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Michael Fletcher (R-So.) showed his potential last season, earning his first letter after playing in all seven games (169 snaps) at defensive end. He racked up 12 tackles, including 3.5 TFLs and three sacks, in a reserve role and will looking to increase his playing time in the fall. Jeff Pietrowski, who lettered as a true freshman last season and played 48 snaps on defense, will also compete for additional playing time.
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Third-year player Brandon Wright, who lettered as a running back in 2019-20 but is 6-2, 240 pounds, will transition to defensive end in the spring, while DeAri Todd (R-Sr.), Zach Slade (R-Jr.), Avery Dunn (R-Fr.), Jasiyah Robinson (R-Fr.) also provide depth at the position.
Â
Along the interior, Jacob Slade (R-Jr.) started all seven games at defensive tackle last year and tallied 13 tackles in 274 snaps. He has 536 snaps under his belt the past two seasons and looks to lead the group of defensive tackles in 2021.
Â
Jalen Hunt (R-So.) and Dashaun Mallory (R-Jr.) both earned starting assignments last season and will likely see an increased role this season with Jones graduating. Hunt earned his first career start vs. Indiana on Nov. 14 and played 151 snaps before missing the final two games of the season to an injury, while Mallory started two games (Northwestern, Ohio State) and logged 200 snaps with 15 tackles, three TFLs and two sacks.
Â
Maverick Hansen (R-So.) saw his time expanded in the second half of the season and played 53 snaps in six games to earn his first letter. Several younger players, including Simeon Barrow (R-Fr.), Evan Brunning (R-So.), Kyle King (R-Fr.), Jacob Lafave (R-So.) and Chris Mayfield (R-Fr.), will also compete for playing time.
Â
"Maverick plays with good pad level and strength; he plays with great power, so that's what we love about him," remarked Burton. "Dashaun Mallory, who has lost some weight, really made him a little bit more dynamic. He's lost 25-30 pounds and it's allowed him to have a lot more movement.
"Jacob Slade…(is) playing with great power and push, he's just managing to be able to run with it at all times. Jalen Hunt, he's doing the same thing…Strength and conditioning has allowed that to happen, and our nutritionist has allowed to see the fruits of that labor already with those guys being able to play with great strength and pad level, but they're reducing their body fat through this system, and it's been great."
Â
The Spartans signed three defensive linemen in their 2021 recruiting class: DT Derrick Harmon (Detroit, Mich., 6-6, 350), DE Alex Okelo (Nashville, Tenn.; 6-6, 215) and DL Tyson Watson (Roseville, Mich.; 6-6, 275).
Â
In addition to Burton, Secchia Family Defensive Coordinator Scottie Hazelton also assists with the defensive ends.
Â
SPARTAN DEFENSIVE LINE CAPSULE
Players returning (19)
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Defensive Ends (10):
#86 Drew Beesley (3L, Gr.-6, 6-2, 260, 7 games/7 starts, 27 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs, 1 FF, 3 QBH)
#91 Jack Camper (3L, R-Sr., 6-5, 255, 7 games/1 start, 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 2 QBH, 1 FR)
#98 Avery Dunn (R-Fr., 6-4, 235)
#5 Michael Fletcher (1L, R-So., 6-6, 255, 7 games, 12 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 PBUs)
#96 Jacub Panasiuk (4L, Sr.-5, 6-4, 250, 6 games/6 starts, 25 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 2 QBH)
#48 Jeff Pietrowski (1L, So., 6-1, 250, 7 games, 4 tackles, 1 QBH)
#87 Jasiyah Robinson (R-Fr., 6-2, 245)
#55 Zach Slade (R-So., 6-4, 245)
#92 DeAri Todd (R-Sr., 6-2, 265)
#26 Brandon Wright (Jr., 6-2, 240)
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Defensive Tackles (9):
#8 Simeon Barrow (R-Fr., 6-2, 280)
#57 Evan Brunning (R-So., 6-5, 295)
#97 Maverick Hansen (1L, R-So., 310, 6 games, 2 tackles)
#99 Jalen Hunt (1L, R-So., 5 games/1 start, 5 tackles, 2 TFLs)
#54 Kyle King (R-Fr., 6-3, 260)
#63 Jacob LaFave (1L, R-So., 6-4, 295, 7 games)
#94 Dashaun Mallory (1L, R-So., 6-2, 300, 7 games/2 starts, 15 tackles, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 QBH)
#30 Chris Mayfield (R-Fr., 6-2, 295)
#64 Jacob Slade (2L, R-Jr., 6-4, 310, 7 games/7 starts, 13 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 3 QBH)
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Newcomers/Transfers (1):
DE Drew Jordan (Gr.-5, 6-3, 285, 11 games/2 starts at DE at Duke in 2020, 35 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks)
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Incoming players for fall 2021 (3):
DT Derrick Harmon (Fr., 6-6, 350)
DE Alex Okelo (Fr., 6-6, 215)
DL Tyson Watson (Fr., 6-6, 275)
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Letterwinners lost (1):
NT Naquan Jones (4L, 7 games/4 starts, 24 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR)
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