Two-time captain Xavier Henderson has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders.
Several Spartans Sign as Undrafted Free Agents
5/2/2023 12:38:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Following the 2023 NFL Draft, several former Spartans have signed as undrafted free agents.
Safety Kendell Brooks and defensive tackle Jacob Slade signed with the Arizona Cardinals, safety Xavier Henderson signed with the Washington Commanders, Jarrett Horst signed with the Miami Dolphins and linebacker Ben VanSumeren signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition, offensive guard Matt Carrick (Green Bay) and cornerback Ronald Williams II earned rookie mini-camp invitations.
Three Spartans were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft: wide receiver Jayden Reed (Green Bay Packers, second round, No. 50 overall), punter Bryce Baringer (New England Patriots, sixth round, No. 192 overall) and cornerback Ameer Speed (New England Patriots, sixth round, No. 214 overall). Since the common NFL Draft era began in 1967, MSU has had at least one player selected in 56 of the 57 drafts. Seven Spartans have been drafted in the past two years under head coach Mel Tucker.
Safety Kendell Brooks (Swansea, South Carolina) – Arizona Cardinals
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Earned two letters at Michigan State (2021-22) after transferring from Division II North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina . . . joined the program in January 2021 . . . played in 43 collegiate games with 20 starts (19 games and 10 starts at North Greenville, 24 games and 10 starts at Michigan State) . . . had 187 career tackles (78 at NGU, 109 at MSU) . . . graduated from MSU with a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations in December 2022.
2022 SEASON (SENIOR): Played in 11 games with 10 starting assignments at safety . . . played 756 snaps, second most on the Spartan defense and most in the secondary . . . ranked tied for eighth in the FBS with three forced fumbles . . . ranked second on the team and tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 100 total tackles (48 solo, 52 assists) . . . tied for fourth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (9.1) . . . collected 3.5 tackles for loss (7 yards) and three pass break-ups . . . posted four double-figure tackle games, including a career-high 18 vs. Minnesota in Week 4 . . . registered seven tackles and played all 72 defensive snaps at safety in his final Spartan game at Penn State . . . started Indiana game at safety and logged six stops in playing all 53 defensive snaps, one of three defensive players to play every snap . . . was starting safety in Rutgers game, recording double-digit tackles for the fourth time this season with 10 (one solo, nine assists) and also had a career-high two pass break-ups . . . started at Illinois at safety, playing 79 snaps and notching nine tackles for fifth straight game with nine or more stops . . . had a career-high 3.0 tackles for loss at Michigan and finished with 11 tackles against the Wolverines . . . did not play in the Wisconsin game due to injury . . . recorded second double-digit tackle outing with 10 stops vs. Ohio State, starting and playing 70 snaps, tying for the defensive lead . . . notched nine tackles at Maryland, in playing 77 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . led the Spartan defense with a career-high 18 tackles (eight solo, 10 assists) in Minnesota game, playing all 78 defensive snaps, one of two defensive players to play in every snap . . . it marked the most tackles by a Spartan since Eric Smith had 19 against Notre Dame on Sept. 18, 2004 . . . tallied eight stops in Washington game after starting at safety and playing in all 79 defensive snaps, one of three defenders to play in all 79 . . . also had a forced fumble for the third straight game . . . made first start of Spartan career in Akron game and had seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break-up . . . posted five tackles and one forced fumble in 30 snaps in season-opener vs. Western Michigan, stepping up after pair of injuries to fellow Spartan defensive backs.
2021 SEASON (JUNIOR): Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams, to earn his first letter as a Spartan . . . posted nine tackles (seven solo, two assists) with one pass break-up . . . played 26 snaps on defense . . . played 156 plays on special teams . . . posted a special teams tackle on punt coverage at Ohio State . . . tallied one special teams tackle on kickoff coverage at Purdue . . . played on defense and special teams vs. Michigan . . . posted one stop on kickoff coverage at Indiana . . . tallied two tackles in playing at Rutgers, playing 10 defensive snaps . . . logged four tackles with one pass break-up in playing 15 snaps on defense in home opener vs. Youngstown State . . . made Spartan debut in season opener at Northwestern.
2020 SEASON: North Greenville did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE AT NORTH GREENVILLE): Ranked third on the Crusaders with 56 tackles in 10 games, including nine starts . . . also had two pass break-ups and one TFL (3 yards).
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN AT NORTH GREENVILLE): Played in nine games, including one start, and made 22 total tackles . . . had one TFL (4 yards) and one forced fumble.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Earned all-state honors at Swansea High School in Swansea, South Carolina, under Coach Greg Wright . . . also was a North-South All-Star Game selection . . . born Stefan Brooks on March 3, 2000 . . . son of Kenneth Brooks and Stephanie Barnes . . . graduated from MSU with a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations in December 2022.
Safety Xavier Henderson (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) – Washington Commanders
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Five-year letterwinner, four-year starter and two-time team captain played in 53 career games for the Spartans, including 40 starts at safety . . . finished his career with 273 tackles, 28th most in MSU history . . . also had 16.5 tackles for loss (60 yards), nine pass break-ups, three sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication in December 2021.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Took advantage of an extra year of eligibility and returned to the Spartans for a fifth season . . . named a team captain for the second year in a row . . . entered the season on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player), Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back), Chuck Bednarik Award (college football's defensive player of the year) and the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, but suffered an injury in the season opener vs. Western Michigan and was sidelined for the next five games before returning to action in Week 7 vs. Wisconsin . . . had a streak of 33 consecutive starts before missing time with an injury . . . finished the season playing in seven games, all starts, while recording 38 tackles, three TFLs (8 yards), two forced fumbles and one pass break-up in 452 snaps at safety . . . despite only playing seven games, was still an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media . . . started at Penn State in his final Spartan game, posting eight tackles with 1.0 TFL (2 yards) in playing all 72 defensive snaps, one of five Spartans to be in on every snap . . . started Indiana game and posted eight tackles, in playing 50 snaps . . . recorded five tackles and one QB hurry after starting Rutgers game, playing in all 82 defensive snaps . . . logged second forced fumble in as many games with a second-quarter force at Illinois and finished with four tackles in playing 86 snaps of the 88 defensive plays . . . registered eight stops with 1.0 TFL and one forced fumble in Michigan game . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game after missing previous five contests with an injury, and after tweaking injury on first defensive play, returned to field and posted five tackles with one tackle for loss, logging 54 snaps in the double-overtime win over the Badgers . . . started the season opener vs. Western Michigan, posting one pass break-up in 26 snaps, before suffering injury in the first half.
2021 SEASON (SENIOR): Started all 13 games at safety, continuing his streak of 33 consecutive starts . . . named a team captain . . . was a game captain for all 13 games . . . tied for team lead and ranked tied for 11th in the Big Ten with a career-high 96 tackles . . . earned third-team All-Big Ten by the media and Pro Football Focus and honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches . . . also ranked second on the team and tied for 13th in the Big Ten with 10.0 tackles for loss (44 yards), including a streak of seven straight games with a TFL . . . recorded a career-high three sacks (33 yards) . . . ranked second on the team with 992 snaps on defense . . . also saw action on 129 special teams plays . . . played every defensive snap in nine total games . . . played all 55 snaps and had two tackles in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over No. 12 Pitt . . . started home finale vs. Penn State, playing all 60 snaps and posting five tackles . . . started in home state at Ohio State, notching seven stops in 49 snaps, coming out of game early in second half . . . started game vs. Maryland at safety and shared the team-lead with seven tackles, and also posted 1.0 sack and 1.0 tackle for loss, with season-high 19 sack yards and TFL yards . . . was starting safety at Purdue and posted eight tackles with 1.0 tackle for loss in playing in all 86 defensive snaps . . . started Michigan game at safety and played in all 84 snaps, registering seven stops with 1.0 tackle for loss, coming in end of third quarter, helping force UM punt and part of MSU's comeback, and one pass break-up, coming late in fourth quarter . . . named a midseason second-team All-American by The Athletic . . . started and played in all 93 snaps at Indiana, and posted eight tackles, with 1.0 tackle for loss . . . started at Rutgers and played 73 snaps, posting seven tackles with 1.0 TFL and one forced fumble . . . played all 95 snaps in Western Kentucky contest, collecting three stops and 1.0 tackle for loss . . . played all 86 defensive snaps in Nebraska game, posting career-high 17 tackles (10 solo, 7 assists), adding one TFL, marking the most tackles by a Spartan in a single game since Montae Nicholson also had 17 stops (Oct. 8, 2016 vs. BYU) . . . played all 90 snaps at Miami, only defensive player to do so, and led MSU in tackles for third straight game with eight tackles (all solo) . . . collected the MSU Defensive Player of the Week team award after leading the team in tackles for the second game in a row with eight stops, and also had a 4-yard sack and an acrobatic interception in the second quarter in playing in 63 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . the interception was his first since Nov. 23, 2019, vs. Rutgers and was third career interception . . . was game captain for season opener and shared top tackle honors with nine stops, adding first career sack as part of career-high two tackles for loss in season-opening win at Northwestern, earning MSU Co-Defensive Player of the Week team award, in playing 83 of 84 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (JUNIOR): Ranked third on the Spartan defense with 41 tackles (24 solo, 17 assists) . . . also had 1.5 tackle for loss, one pass break-up and one QB hurry . . . led team with 511 snaps played and started all seven games at safety . . . notched four tackles at Penn State, all solo stops . . . matched career high by notching nine tackles vs. No. 3 Ohio State with 0.5 tackle for loss in 74 snaps . . . recorded five tackles and one pass break-up in victory over eighth-ranked Northwestern . . . logged four tackles and one QB hurry vs. No. 10 Indiana . . . registered six stops at Iowa . . . was starting safety at No. 13 Michigan and notched seven stops . . . started season opener vs. Rutgers at safety, making six stops with career-best tying one tackle for loss (2 yards) in 68 snaps.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE): Started all 13 games at safety . . . ranked second on the team and 18th in the Big Ten with 83 tackles (56 solo, 27 assists) . . . led the defense and ranked fifth in the conference with 56 solo stops . . . also had two tackles for loss (5 yards), five pass break-ups and two interceptions . . . played 838 snaps on defense, most in the Spartan secondary and second-most overall on the defense . . . had three tackles in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl win over Wake Forest . . . notched seven stops in Maryland game, along with 1.0 TFL and two pass break-ups, tying career-bests for both . . . tied a career high with team-leading nine stops at Rutgers, also snaring second interception of season, returning it 32 yards, which was MSU's second-longest interception return of the season; ended the game with 16 production points, tied for second on defense overall . . . registered a then career-high nine tackles at Michigan, tying for the team lead . . . was starting safety in Illinois game and logged seven stops . . . started Penn State game and had eight stops, adding first career tackle for loss . . . started game at Wisconsin and posted eight tackles . . . started at Ohio State, near his hometown with numerous family and friends in the stands, and logged five stops and one pass break-up . . . started Indiana game at safety and made five tackles . . . was starting safety at Northwestern, tallying six stops and 12 production points, second among defensive backs . . . started against Arizona State and posted seven stops for the second game in as many outings, adding first two pass break-ups of Spartan career, ending with 17 production points, which led defensive backs corps and tied for second overall on defense . . . named the Spartan Defensive Player of the Week against Western Michigan, snaring first career interception to go with team-leading seven tackles, ending with defensive unit-leading 18 production points . . . interception came in the end zone in the second quarter, thwarting a WMU drive and keeping MSU ahead, 28-7 . . . drew first start of career in season opener vs. Tulsa, tallying two tackles.
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter . . . saw action on 141 snaps on defense, primarily on third downs . . . recorded 15 tackles (nine solo, six assists) . . . led team with five tackles on kickoffs and ranked tied for second overall on special teams with seven (five on kickoffs, two on punts) . . . recovered a fumble vs. Rutgers . . . tallied a season-best three tackles vs. Purdue . . . had two tackles apiece vs. Michigan, Northwestern and Central Michigan . . . played a season-high 23 snaps at Indiana . . . enrolled for the 2018 spring semester and participated in spring practice.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to the Rivals250 (No. 177) as one of the best overall players in the nation . . . also named one of the 300 best players in the nation by 247Sports (No. 277) . . . ranked the top cornerback in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com . . . named the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division 1 Co-Defensive Player of the Year while helping lead Pickerington Central High School to a 14-1 record and a Division 1 state championship . . . listed among the top cornerbacks in the country by Rivals.com (No. 18) . . . rated one of the top overall players in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports (No. 9) . . . two-time first-team all-state selection (Associated Press in 2016; OPSWA in 2017) . . . chosen to USA TODAY's All-Ohio First Team twice (2016, 2017) . . . two-time Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017) . . . two-time All-Central District Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year . . . named All-Ohio Capital Conference (Ohio Division) Player of the Year as a senior . . . played for Coach Jay Sharrett at Pickerington Central High School . . . recorded four interceptions, 77 tackles and six touchdowns during his senior season . . . had five tackles and ran for 153 yards on 14 carries, including a 24-yard TD run, in the 56-28 victory over Mentor in the Division 1 state title game . . . had an 82-yard TD reception and 16-yard run for a score vs. Hilliard Bradley in the Region 3 semifinal game . . . returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown against Gahanna Lincoln on Sept. 29 . . . first-team all-state pick by The Associated Press as a junior after recording 123 tackles, seven interceptions and 22 pass break-ups . . . also named to the 2016 ALL-USA TODAY Ohio First Team . . . helped lead Pickerington Central to an 11-2 record and a berth in the 2016 state semifinals . . . son of Allen and Amy Henderson . . . born July 12, 1999 . . . communication major graduated in December 2021.
Offensive tackle Jarrett Horst (Middleton, Wis.) – Miami Dolphins
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Transfer from Arkansas State joined the Spartan program in January 2021 . . . started in 34 of 35 career collegiate games played (started 19 games at left tackle in 2019-20 for the Red Wolves; started eight games at left tackle in 2021, seven games at left tackle in 2022 for the Spartans) . . . invited to play in the 2023 Hula Bowl in Orlando, Florida . . . was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 USFL Draft (Michigan Panthers).
2022 SEASON (FIFTH-YEAR SENIOR): Played in eight games, starting seven at left tackle (Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington and Akron) . . . played a total of 427 snaps on offense at left tackle . . . started at left tackle in game at Michigan, registering 52 snaps . . . started Wisconsin contest at left tackle, logging 67 of the 68 offensive snaps . . . was starting left tackle in Ohio State game, playing 42 snaps . . . started at left tackle in game at Maryland, playing all 72 offensive snaps, one of three offensive linemen and one of four offensive players overall to play in every offensive snap . . . started Minnesota game at left tackle, tallying 46 snaps, one of four offensive linemen to play in every offensive snap . . . was starting left tackle at Washington, playing in all 77 offensive snaps, one of two linemen and one of three offensive players to do so . . . started at left tackle in Akron game, registering 54 snaps, to earn Spartan co-offensive player of the week honors . . . saw action in season opener vs. Western Michigan, playing 17 snaps.
2021 SEASON (SENIOR): Earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades by both the coaches and media . . . started eight games at left tackle, playing 317 total snaps . . . did not play last five games due to injury . . . started Michigan game at left tackle, playing in 68 offensive snaps . . . was starting left tackle in game at Indiana, notching offensive line-leading 44 snaps . . . started at left tackle in game at Rutgers, registering 32 snaps, helping clear way for 588 yards of total offense . . . was starting left tackle in Western Kentucky contest, collecting 40 snaps . . . started at left tackle in Nebraska game, notching 29 snaps . . . was starting left tackle at Miami, playing 44 snaps . . . started Youngstown State game at left tackle, logging 13 snaps . . . started in Spartan debut, opening season-opener at Northwestern at left tackle, playing 44 snaps in helping offense road grade the way for Spartan offensive rushing attack that ran for 326 yards, marking the first time that the Spartans rushed for 300 yards in a game since 2014 at Indiana (330 yards) . . . named to Outland Trophy Watch List prior to the season.
2020 SEASON (JUNIOR AT ARKANSAS STATE): Started the first seven games of the season . . . played a total of 500 snaps in those seven games . . . entered the 2020 season on the Outland Trophy Watch List and was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt First Team.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE AT ARKANSAS STATE): Named third-team All-Sun Belt after starting all 13 games at left tackle . . . selected for the Gary Withrow Award, presented annually to the Arkansas State football team's outstanding offensive lineman of the year . . . played a total of 941 snaps, second most on the team . . . helped the Red Wolves to an 8-5 record and a win in the Camellia Bowl over Florida International . . . helped lead the way for over 300 yards total offense by A-State in all but one game and over 400 yards in 10 outings during 2019, including a season-high 558 yards against Troy . . . with Horst and the offensive line providing protection, the Red Wolves' passing yards per game (312.1) was the second highest average in the Sun Belt and ranked 10th in the nation . . . A-State also ranked fourth in the league in scoring offense and fifth in total offense behind Horst and the offensive line . . . helped secure the time needed for the Red Wolves' quarterbacks to throw 37 touchdown passes that were the most in the conference and tied for eighth in the country . . . also helped paved the way for running back Marcel Murray to be named All-Sun Belt Conference . . . Athletics Director's Honor Roll member.
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Played his true freshman season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Four-year letterwinner at Middleton High School in Middletown, Wisconsin . . . named both all-conference and all-area . . . selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Game . . . born Feb. 7, 2000 . . . son of Gary and Sandi Horst . . . communication major.
Defensive tackle Jacob Slade (Lewis Center, Ohio) – Arizona Cardinals
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Four-year letterwinner played in 42 games with the Spartans, including 26 starts (seven in 2020, 12 in 2021, seven in 2022) . . . disruptive and powerful defensive tackle collected 88 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss (36 yards), 4.0 sacks (25 yards), four pass break-ups, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick in his career . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in May 2022.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Entered the season on watch lists for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award and was a second-team Walter Camp preseason All-American, but was limited to eight games due to an injury he suffered in Week 2 vs. Akron . . . was forced to miss four straight games from Weeks 3-6 . . . finished the season with seven starts at defensive tackle in eight games overall . . . played a total of 311 snaps . . . despite missing four games, still earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades by the coaches and media . . . finished the season with 20 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss (9 yards) and a half sack . . . still ranked fifth on the team with a total of 11 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus . . . started first two games (Akron, Western Michigan) at defensive tackle, before missing the next four games (Ohio State, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington) with an injury . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game in Week 7 and re-assumed starting lineup spot in last five games (Penn State, Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan) . . . logged season-highs for tackles and tackles for loss with five stops and 1.5 TFL at Penn State game after starting at defensive tackle and playing 46 snaps . . . after starting Indiana game at defensive tackle, registered four tackles with 0.5 TFL (4 yards) on 0.5 sack, in 43 snaps . . . started Rutgers game at defensive tackle, notching his first career blocked kick, as well as two tackles, including 0.5 tackle for loss and one QB hurry, in 59 snaps, for not only the most snaps since returning from injury, but a season-high snaps . . . was starting defensive tackle in win at No. 16 Illinois, tallying two tackles with 0.5 TFL in 18 snaps . . . reclaimed starting spot in Michigan game, posting three tackles in 50 snaps . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game after missing previous four contests with an injury, and logged one stop in 32 snaps . . . started Akron game at defensive tackle and recorded one tackle in playing 17 snaps, before suffering injury . . . started in season opener vs. Western Michigan at defensive tackle, tallying two tackles with 0.5 tackle for loss, in playing 46 snaps, tying for the most among defensive linemen.
2021 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR): Earned first-team All-Big Ten accolades from Pro Football Focus . . . also garnered second-team All-Big Ten honors by The Associated Press, third team by the media and honorable mention by the coaches . . . saw action in all 13 games and made 12 consecutive starts to close the season . . . recorded career bests in tackles (40), TFLs (5.0 for 19 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards) . . . played a total of 651 snaps . . . graded out at 86.1 by Pro Football Focus, the best on the team . . . also according to PFF, had 40 QB pressures, the most of any Big Ten interior lineman and tied for 10th most among interior DL in the FBS . . . also had 33 QB hurries, which led Big Ten defensive tackles and ranked tied for third in FBS among DTs, according to PFF . . . named to the Associated Press All-Bowl Team after an impressive performance in the win over No. 12 Pitt in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, recording a career-high 1.5 sacks (11 yards) and tying a career-high 2.0 TFLs (11 yards) . . . had six stops overall against the Panthers as Pitt was held to a season-low 274 yards of total offense . . . logged three tackles with one TFL vs. Penn State, posting 40 snaps . . . registered pair of stops at Ohio State in 49 snaps . . . tallied two tackles in Maryland game, playing 53 snaps . . . posted pair of stops at Purdue, starting at defensive tackle and playing 63 snaps . . . started Michigan game at defensive tackle, tallying three tackles and one pass break-up in playing 60 snaps . . . started at Indiana and logged five tackles and one QB hurry in matching his jersey number by playing 64 snaps . . . registered four tackles and a 19-yard fumble recovery at Rutgers, recording 49 snaps . . . tallied two tackles against Western Kentucky in playing 58 snaps . . . had breakout performance in Nebraska game, notching a career-high eight tackles (five solo, three assists) with 2.0 TFLs and 1.0 sack, doubling previous career-best of four stops, surpassing that in solo tackles alone, in 57 snaps . . . was starting defensive tackle at Miami, logging 49 snaps and posting one tackle . . . started in Youngstown State game, posting one stop in 35 snaps . . . saw action in season-opening win at Northwestern, logging one tackle and one pass break-up, in playing 36 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE): Started all seven games at defensive tackle, posting 13 tackles with 0.5 TFL, one pass break-up and three QB hurries, in playing 274 snaps . . . tallied two tackles at Penn State . . . compiled three tackles with 0.5 TFL and two QB hurries vs. No. 3 Ohio State . . . started Northwestern game at defensive tackle, logging 38 snaps, and registering one stop and one pass break-up . . . posting a pair of stops in 42 snaps vs. No. 10 Indiana . . . recorded career-high four stops at Iowa . . . tallied one tackle along with a QB hurry in 52 snaps in win over No. 13 Michigan . . . made first start of career in starting at defensive tackle in season opener vs. Rutgers and played 55 snaps.
2019 SEASON (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter . . . played 262 snaps while rotating at defensive tackle . . . recorded 14 tackles, including 2.5 for losses (6 yards) and one sack (5 yards) . . . posted a career-best 2.0 TFLs, including his first career sack for 5 yards, while tallying a total of three stops in helping MSU to a win over Wake Forest in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl . . . had one pass break-up in Maryland game . . . had season-high three tackles and 0.5 TFL against Penn State.
2018 SEASON: Redshirted . . . played 11 snaps at defensive tackle and recorded one assisted tackle in his only appearance of the year in the season opener vs. Utah State.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: First-team Division 1 all-state selection as an offensive lineman by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association . . . also named a first-team All-Central District and Columbus Dispatch All-Metro honoree . . . named Ohio Capital Conference (Buckeye Division) Co-Defensive Player of the Year . . . ranked one of the top players in the state of Ohio by 247Sports (No. 34), ESPN.com (No. 47) and Rivals.com (No. 60) . . . listed as one of best defensive tackle prospects in Ohio by Rivals.com (No. 5) . . . rated one of the best defensive tackles in the nation by ESPN.com (No. 93) . . . named one of the top 150 players in the Midwest by ESPN.com . . . played for Coach Mark Solis at Olentangy High School . . . helped lead Olentangy to the Region 2 semifinals and an 8-4 record his senior season after recording 73 tackles, including 13 for losses with two sacks . . . led the Braves with eight sacks and had 53 tackles overall as a junior in 2016 to earn second-team All-Ohio Capital Conference honors . . . son of Rick and Shannon Slade . . . born Feb. 23, 2000 . . . twin brother of Zach Slade, who is a defensive lineman for the Spartans . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in May 2022.
Linebacker Ben VanSumeren (Bay City, Mich.) – Philadelphia Eagles
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Two-year letterwinner (2021-22) played in 24 games for the Spartans . . . transferred in May 2021 from Michigan . . . played in 39 collegiate career games overall (15 games at UM from 2018-20; 24 games at MSU in 2021-22) with 13 starts (two at UM in 2020, one at MSU in 2021, 10 at MSU in 2022) . . . earned three letters for the Wolverines (2018-20) and two for the Spartans (2021-22) . . . had 100 career tackles (seven in 2020 at UM, 12 in 2021 at MSU, 81 in 2022 at MSU), with 4.0 tackles for loss (31 yards), 2.0 sacks (22 yards) and two pass break-ups, adding nine career carries for 20 yards and one rushing TD (all at UM) . . . earned an invite to the 2023 East-West Shrine Game in Las Vegas.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Started at linebacker in 10 games in playing in 11 contests, missing one game due to injury . . . registered a career-high 81 tackles (27 solo, 54 assists), which ranked third on the team . . . had with 3.0 tackles for loss (30 yards), 2.0 sacks (22 yards), two pass break-ups and one QB hurry . . . played a career-high 626 snaps at linebacker . . . also appeared in 111 special teams plays . . . had four double-digit tackle outings, including a career-high 14 vs. Maryland in Week 5 . . . had four solo tackles in 65 snaps while starting at linebacker vs. Penn State . . . started at linebacker against Indiana and notched six stops with 1.0 TFL on 1.0 sack for second straight game with a sack, in playing 38 snaps . . . was credited with a 13-yard sack on an intentional grounding call in the second quarter of the Rutgers game for first sack of collegiate career, and tallied eight stops overall on the day in playing 46 snaps . . . returned to action in game at Illinois and registered 10 tackles for fourth double-digit tackle performance of the season, logging 50 snaps . . .did not play at Michigan game due to injury . . . tallied two tackles in Wisconsin game, registering 18 plays . . . recorded eight stops in Ohio State, starting the contest at linebacker and playing 70 snaps . . . posted a career-high 14 tackles (five solo, nine assists) after starting at linebacker at Maryland, in playing in 75 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . started at linebacker in Minnesota game, tallying 11 stops in playing 77 snaps . . . was starting linebacker at Washington, notching six tackles . . . started Akron game at linebacker, logging one tackle and first career pass break-up, adding one QB hurry in 43 snaps . . . made second start of Spartan career by starting season opener vs. Western Michigan at linebacker, logging 11 tackles, which nearly matched his 2021 total of 12 tackles . . . added one tackle for loss while playing 64 snaps, leading the Spartan linebacker corps and ranking fourth overall on the defense.
2021 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter at MSU . . . collected 12 tackles (seven solo, five assists) . . . logged 122 defensive snaps and 133 special teams plays . . . was in on 15 special teams plays in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. No. 12 Pitt . . . posted one stop in Penn State game on opening kickoff of second half, part of 10 special teams plays . . . recorded career-high four tackles, including 1.0 tackle for loss, at Ohio State in logging 24 snaps . . . saw limited action on both defense and special teams in Maryland game . . . saw special teams action at Purdue . . . was in on special teams in Michigan game against his former team . . . saw limited action on defense and special teams at Indiana . . . started at linebacker at Rutgers in place of Cal Haladay and recorded one tackle in 15 snaps . . . logged one tackle in playing 14 defensive snaps in Western Kentucky contest . . . posted one tackle in playing seven snaps in Nebraska game . . . notched one tackle in playing seven snaps at Miami . . . posted three tackles in playing 28 snaps in home-opener against Youngstown State . . . made Spartan debut in season-opening win at Northwestern, playing 20 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE AT MICHIGAN): Played in all six games, including two starts at linebacker (vs. Indiana and Penn State), to earn his third letter . . . also saw time on special teams . . . compiled seven tackles . . . had a season-high three tackles, all assists, at Rutgers . . . moved to linebacker from fullback for the 2020 season.
2019 SEASON (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT MICHIGAN): Appeared in five games to earn his second letter . . . had five carries for 20 yards as a fullback . . . had four carries for 7 yards and his first career touchdown vs. Middle Tennessee . . . also saw time on special teams.
2018 SEASON (MICHIGAN): Played in four games, two at fullback and two on special teams, to receive his first letter but preserved his redshirt season . . . made his collegiate debut against Western Michigan on Sept. 8.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Played at Garber High School in Essexville, Michigan . . . finished his high school career with 176 receptions for 2,888 yards and 29 touchdowns . . . led Bay County in receiving for three consecutive years . . . also rushed for 1,053 yards and 17 touchdowns on 160 carries and was 13-of-27 passing for 279 yards and four TDs . . . on defense, collected 79 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks, along with four interceptions during his career . . . three-time MLive Bay City Dream Team selection (2015-17) and 2017 Bay City Player of the Year (MLive) . . . participated in the 2017 Nike The Opening in Cleveland and won overall ratings MVP at the camp . . . had 43 stops, four TFLs and one sack as a senior in 2017 . . . had 85 receptions, a state record for the regular-season only, for 1,259 yards and 13 TDs during his senior year . . . was also 11-of-25 passing for 249 yards and three TDs . . . rushed for 387 yards on 54 carries (7.2 avg.) with six TDs . . . named the Associated Press Player of the Year for Divisions 5-6 as a senior . . . also named first-team all-state by the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News . . . was a Dream Team selection by The Detroit News as a senior in 2017 . . . was named one of the top overall prospects in the state of Michigan in the class of 2017 by ESPN.com (No. 14), Rivals.com (No. 15) and 247Sports (No. 15) . . . caught 49 passes for 776 yards and eight scores and rushed for 489 yards and six TDs as a junior in 2016 . . . had 42 receptions for 853 yards and eight TDs as a sophomore . . . born May 5, 2000 . . . son of Jeff and Cindy VanSumeren . . . younger brother, Alex, is a defensive lineman for the Spartans.
Safety Kendell Brooks and defensive tackle Jacob Slade signed with the Arizona Cardinals, safety Xavier Henderson signed with the Washington Commanders, Jarrett Horst signed with the Miami Dolphins and linebacker Ben VanSumeren signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Five more Spartan Dawgs and counting headed to the league.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) May 1, 2023
Congratulations to all of our guys that signed their first professional contracts this weekend. #RELENTLESS x #SD4L pic.twitter.com/vWR1WRn8ci
In addition, offensive guard Matt Carrick (Green Bay) and cornerback Ronald Williams II earned rookie mini-camp invitations.
Congratulations to @LongLiveZan9 & @Matt_carrick56 for earning Mini-Camp Invites with the @49ers & @packers.#RELENTLESS pic.twitter.com/PuWBgJ5lmr
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) May 4, 2023
Three Spartans were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft: wide receiver Jayden Reed (Green Bay Packers, second round, No. 50 overall), punter Bryce Baringer (New England Patriots, sixth round, No. 192 overall) and cornerback Ameer Speed (New England Patriots, sixth round, No. 214 overall). Since the common NFL Draft era began in 1967, MSU has had at least one player selected in 56 of the 57 drafts. Seven Spartans have been drafted in the past two years under head coach Mel Tucker.
🚪💫. #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/dyD2tWoOuD
— Kendell Brooks (@4thQtrKB) April 30, 2023
Safety Kendell Brooks (Swansea, South Carolina) – Arizona Cardinals
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Earned two letters at Michigan State (2021-22) after transferring from Division II North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina . . . joined the program in January 2021 . . . played in 43 collegiate games with 20 starts (19 games and 10 starts at North Greenville, 24 games and 10 starts at Michigan State) . . . had 187 career tackles (78 at NGU, 109 at MSU) . . . graduated from MSU with a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations in December 2022.
2022 SEASON (SENIOR): Played in 11 games with 10 starting assignments at safety . . . played 756 snaps, second most on the Spartan defense and most in the secondary . . . ranked tied for eighth in the FBS with three forced fumbles . . . ranked second on the team and tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 100 total tackles (48 solo, 52 assists) . . . tied for fourth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (9.1) . . . collected 3.5 tackles for loss (7 yards) and three pass break-ups . . . posted four double-figure tackle games, including a career-high 18 vs. Minnesota in Week 4 . . . registered seven tackles and played all 72 defensive snaps at safety in his final Spartan game at Penn State . . . started Indiana game at safety and logged six stops in playing all 53 defensive snaps, one of three defensive players to play every snap . . . was starting safety in Rutgers game, recording double-digit tackles for the fourth time this season with 10 (one solo, nine assists) and also had a career-high two pass break-ups . . . started at Illinois at safety, playing 79 snaps and notching nine tackles for fifth straight game with nine or more stops . . . had a career-high 3.0 tackles for loss at Michigan and finished with 11 tackles against the Wolverines . . . did not play in the Wisconsin game due to injury . . . recorded second double-digit tackle outing with 10 stops vs. Ohio State, starting and playing 70 snaps, tying for the defensive lead . . . notched nine tackles at Maryland, in playing 77 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . led the Spartan defense with a career-high 18 tackles (eight solo, 10 assists) in Minnesota game, playing all 78 defensive snaps, one of two defensive players to play in every snap . . . it marked the most tackles by a Spartan since Eric Smith had 19 against Notre Dame on Sept. 18, 2004 . . . tallied eight stops in Washington game after starting at safety and playing in all 79 defensive snaps, one of three defenders to play in all 79 . . . also had a forced fumble for the third straight game . . . made first start of Spartan career in Akron game and had seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break-up . . . posted five tackles and one forced fumble in 30 snaps in season-opener vs. Western Michigan, stepping up after pair of injuries to fellow Spartan defensive backs.
2021 SEASON (JUNIOR): Played in all 13 games, primarily on special teams, to earn his first letter as a Spartan . . . posted nine tackles (seven solo, two assists) with one pass break-up . . . played 26 snaps on defense . . . played 156 plays on special teams . . . posted a special teams tackle on punt coverage at Ohio State . . . tallied one special teams tackle on kickoff coverage at Purdue . . . played on defense and special teams vs. Michigan . . . posted one stop on kickoff coverage at Indiana . . . tallied two tackles in playing at Rutgers, playing 10 defensive snaps . . . logged four tackles with one pass break-up in playing 15 snaps on defense in home opener vs. Youngstown State . . . made Spartan debut in season opener at Northwestern.
2020 SEASON: North Greenville did not play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE AT NORTH GREENVILLE): Ranked third on the Crusaders with 56 tackles in 10 games, including nine starts . . . also had two pass break-ups and one TFL (3 yards).
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN AT NORTH GREENVILLE): Played in nine games, including one start, and made 22 total tackles . . . had one TFL (4 yards) and one forced fumble.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Earned all-state honors at Swansea High School in Swansea, South Carolina, under Coach Greg Wright . . . also was a North-South All-Star Game selection . . . born Stefan Brooks on March 3, 2000 . . . son of Kenneth Brooks and Stephanie Barnes . . . graduated from MSU with a bachelor's degree in human resources and labor relations in December 2022.
Safety Xavier Henderson (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) – Washington Commanders
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Five-year letterwinner, four-year starter and two-time team captain played in 53 career games for the Spartans, including 40 starts at safety . . . finished his career with 273 tackles, 28th most in MSU history . . . also had 16.5 tackles for loss (60 yards), nine pass break-ups, three sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication in December 2021.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Took advantage of an extra year of eligibility and returned to the Spartans for a fifth season . . . named a team captain for the second year in a row . . . entered the season on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player), Jim Thorpe Award (nation's best defensive back), Chuck Bednarik Award (college football's defensive player of the year) and the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, but suffered an injury in the season opener vs. Western Michigan and was sidelined for the next five games before returning to action in Week 7 vs. Wisconsin . . . had a streak of 33 consecutive starts before missing time with an injury . . . finished the season playing in seven games, all starts, while recording 38 tackles, three TFLs (8 yards), two forced fumbles and one pass break-up in 452 snaps at safety . . . despite only playing seven games, was still an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the media . . . started at Penn State in his final Spartan game, posting eight tackles with 1.0 TFL (2 yards) in playing all 72 defensive snaps, one of five Spartans to be in on every snap . . . started Indiana game and posted eight tackles, in playing 50 snaps . . . recorded five tackles and one QB hurry after starting Rutgers game, playing in all 82 defensive snaps . . . logged second forced fumble in as many games with a second-quarter force at Illinois and finished with four tackles in playing 86 snaps of the 88 defensive plays . . . registered eight stops with 1.0 TFL and one forced fumble in Michigan game . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game after missing previous five contests with an injury, and after tweaking injury on first defensive play, returned to field and posted five tackles with one tackle for loss, logging 54 snaps in the double-overtime win over the Badgers . . . started the season opener vs. Western Michigan, posting one pass break-up in 26 snaps, before suffering injury in the first half.
2021 SEASON (SENIOR): Started all 13 games at safety, continuing his streak of 33 consecutive starts . . . named a team captain . . . was a game captain for all 13 games . . . tied for team lead and ranked tied for 11th in the Big Ten with a career-high 96 tackles . . . earned third-team All-Big Ten by the media and Pro Football Focus and honorable mention All-Big Ten by the coaches . . . also ranked second on the team and tied for 13th in the Big Ten with 10.0 tackles for loss (44 yards), including a streak of seven straight games with a TFL . . . recorded a career-high three sacks (33 yards) . . . ranked second on the team with 992 snaps on defense . . . also saw action on 129 special teams plays . . . played every defensive snap in nine total games . . . played all 55 snaps and had two tackles in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win over No. 12 Pitt . . . started home finale vs. Penn State, playing all 60 snaps and posting five tackles . . . started in home state at Ohio State, notching seven stops in 49 snaps, coming out of game early in second half . . . started game vs. Maryland at safety and shared the team-lead with seven tackles, and also posted 1.0 sack and 1.0 tackle for loss, with season-high 19 sack yards and TFL yards . . . was starting safety at Purdue and posted eight tackles with 1.0 tackle for loss in playing in all 86 defensive snaps . . . started Michigan game at safety and played in all 84 snaps, registering seven stops with 1.0 tackle for loss, coming in end of third quarter, helping force UM punt and part of MSU's comeback, and one pass break-up, coming late in fourth quarter . . . named a midseason second-team All-American by The Athletic . . . started and played in all 93 snaps at Indiana, and posted eight tackles, with 1.0 tackle for loss . . . started at Rutgers and played 73 snaps, posting seven tackles with 1.0 TFL and one forced fumble . . . played all 95 snaps in Western Kentucky contest, collecting three stops and 1.0 tackle for loss . . . played all 86 defensive snaps in Nebraska game, posting career-high 17 tackles (10 solo, 7 assists), adding one TFL, marking the most tackles by a Spartan in a single game since Montae Nicholson also had 17 stops (Oct. 8, 2016 vs. BYU) . . . played all 90 snaps at Miami, only defensive player to do so, and led MSU in tackles for third straight game with eight tackles (all solo) . . . collected the MSU Defensive Player of the Week team award after leading the team in tackles for the second game in a row with eight stops, and also had a 4-yard sack and an acrobatic interception in the second quarter in playing in 63 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . the interception was his first since Nov. 23, 2019, vs. Rutgers and was third career interception . . . was game captain for season opener and shared top tackle honors with nine stops, adding first career sack as part of career-high two tackles for loss in season-opening win at Northwestern, earning MSU Co-Defensive Player of the Week team award, in playing 83 of 84 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (JUNIOR): Ranked third on the Spartan defense with 41 tackles (24 solo, 17 assists) . . . also had 1.5 tackle for loss, one pass break-up and one QB hurry . . . led team with 511 snaps played and started all seven games at safety . . . notched four tackles at Penn State, all solo stops . . . matched career high by notching nine tackles vs. No. 3 Ohio State with 0.5 tackle for loss in 74 snaps . . . recorded five tackles and one pass break-up in victory over eighth-ranked Northwestern . . . logged four tackles and one QB hurry vs. No. 10 Indiana . . . registered six stops at Iowa . . . was starting safety at No. 13 Michigan and notched seven stops . . . started season opener vs. Rutgers at safety, making six stops with career-best tying one tackle for loss (2 yards) in 68 snaps.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE): Started all 13 games at safety . . . ranked second on the team and 18th in the Big Ten with 83 tackles (56 solo, 27 assists) . . . led the defense and ranked fifth in the conference with 56 solo stops . . . also had two tackles for loss (5 yards), five pass break-ups and two interceptions . . . played 838 snaps on defense, most in the Spartan secondary and second-most overall on the defense . . . had three tackles in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl win over Wake Forest . . . notched seven stops in Maryland game, along with 1.0 TFL and two pass break-ups, tying career-bests for both . . . tied a career high with team-leading nine stops at Rutgers, also snaring second interception of season, returning it 32 yards, which was MSU's second-longest interception return of the season; ended the game with 16 production points, tied for second on defense overall . . . registered a then career-high nine tackles at Michigan, tying for the team lead . . . was starting safety in Illinois game and logged seven stops . . . started Penn State game and had eight stops, adding first career tackle for loss . . . started game at Wisconsin and posted eight tackles . . . started at Ohio State, near his hometown with numerous family and friends in the stands, and logged five stops and one pass break-up . . . started Indiana game at safety and made five tackles . . . was starting safety at Northwestern, tallying six stops and 12 production points, second among defensive backs . . . started against Arizona State and posted seven stops for the second game in as many outings, adding first two pass break-ups of Spartan career, ending with 17 production points, which led defensive backs corps and tied for second overall on defense . . . named the Spartan Defensive Player of the Week against Western Michigan, snaring first career interception to go with team-leading seven tackles, ending with defensive unit-leading 18 production points . . . interception came in the end zone in the second quarter, thwarting a WMU drive and keeping MSU ahead, 28-7 . . . drew first start of career in season opener vs. Tulsa, tallying two tackles.
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter . . . saw action on 141 snaps on defense, primarily on third downs . . . recorded 15 tackles (nine solo, six assists) . . . led team with five tackles on kickoffs and ranked tied for second overall on special teams with seven (five on kickoffs, two on punts) . . . recovered a fumble vs. Rutgers . . . tallied a season-best three tackles vs. Purdue . . . had two tackles apiece vs. Michigan, Northwestern and Central Michigan . . . played a season-high 23 snaps at Indiana . . . enrolled for the 2018 spring semester and participated in spring practice.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to the Rivals250 (No. 177) as one of the best overall players in the nation . . . also named one of the 300 best players in the nation by 247Sports (No. 277) . . . ranked the top cornerback in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com . . . named the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association Division 1 Co-Defensive Player of the Year while helping lead Pickerington Central High School to a 14-1 record and a Division 1 state championship . . . listed among the top cornerbacks in the country by Rivals.com (No. 18) . . . rated one of the top overall players in the state of Ohio by Rivals.com (No. 8) and 247Sports (No. 9) . . . two-time first-team all-state selection (Associated Press in 2016; OPSWA in 2017) . . . chosen to USA TODAY's All-Ohio First Team twice (2016, 2017) . . . two-time Columbus Dispatch All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017) . . . two-time All-Central District Division 1 Defensive Player of the Year . . . named All-Ohio Capital Conference (Ohio Division) Player of the Year as a senior . . . played for Coach Jay Sharrett at Pickerington Central High School . . . recorded four interceptions, 77 tackles and six touchdowns during his senior season . . . had five tackles and ran for 153 yards on 14 carries, including a 24-yard TD run, in the 56-28 victory over Mentor in the Division 1 state title game . . . had an 82-yard TD reception and 16-yard run for a score vs. Hilliard Bradley in the Region 3 semifinal game . . . returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown against Gahanna Lincoln on Sept. 29 . . . first-team all-state pick by The Associated Press as a junior after recording 123 tackles, seven interceptions and 22 pass break-ups . . . also named to the 2016 ALL-USA TODAY Ohio First Team . . . helped lead Pickerington Central to an 11-2 record and a berth in the 2016 state semifinals . . . son of Allen and Amy Henderson . . . born July 12, 1999 . . . communication major graduated in December 2021.
Offensive tackle Jarrett Horst (Middleton, Wis.) – Miami Dolphins
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Transfer from Arkansas State joined the Spartan program in January 2021 . . . started in 34 of 35 career collegiate games played (started 19 games at left tackle in 2019-20 for the Red Wolves; started eight games at left tackle in 2021, seven games at left tackle in 2022 for the Spartans) . . . invited to play in the 2023 Hula Bowl in Orlando, Florida . . . was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 USFL Draft (Michigan Panthers).
2022 SEASON (FIFTH-YEAR SENIOR): Played in eight games, starting seven at left tackle (Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington and Akron) . . . played a total of 427 snaps on offense at left tackle . . . started at left tackle in game at Michigan, registering 52 snaps . . . started Wisconsin contest at left tackle, logging 67 of the 68 offensive snaps . . . was starting left tackle in Ohio State game, playing 42 snaps . . . started at left tackle in game at Maryland, playing all 72 offensive snaps, one of three offensive linemen and one of four offensive players overall to play in every offensive snap . . . started Minnesota game at left tackle, tallying 46 snaps, one of four offensive linemen to play in every offensive snap . . . was starting left tackle at Washington, playing in all 77 offensive snaps, one of two linemen and one of three offensive players to do so . . . started at left tackle in Akron game, registering 54 snaps, to earn Spartan co-offensive player of the week honors . . . saw action in season opener vs. Western Michigan, playing 17 snaps.
2021 SEASON (SENIOR): Earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades by both the coaches and media . . . started eight games at left tackle, playing 317 total snaps . . . did not play last five games due to injury . . . started Michigan game at left tackle, playing in 68 offensive snaps . . . was starting left tackle in game at Indiana, notching offensive line-leading 44 snaps . . . started at left tackle in game at Rutgers, registering 32 snaps, helping clear way for 588 yards of total offense . . . was starting left tackle in Western Kentucky contest, collecting 40 snaps . . . started at left tackle in Nebraska game, notching 29 snaps . . . was starting left tackle at Miami, playing 44 snaps . . . started Youngstown State game at left tackle, logging 13 snaps . . . started in Spartan debut, opening season-opener at Northwestern at left tackle, playing 44 snaps in helping offense road grade the way for Spartan offensive rushing attack that ran for 326 yards, marking the first time that the Spartans rushed for 300 yards in a game since 2014 at Indiana (330 yards) . . . named to Outland Trophy Watch List prior to the season.
2020 SEASON (JUNIOR AT ARKANSAS STATE): Started the first seven games of the season . . . played a total of 500 snaps in those seven games . . . entered the 2020 season on the Outland Trophy Watch List and was named to the preseason All-Sun Belt First Team.
2019 SEASON (SOPHOMORE AT ARKANSAS STATE): Named third-team All-Sun Belt after starting all 13 games at left tackle . . . selected for the Gary Withrow Award, presented annually to the Arkansas State football team's outstanding offensive lineman of the year . . . played a total of 941 snaps, second most on the team . . . helped the Red Wolves to an 8-5 record and a win in the Camellia Bowl over Florida International . . . helped lead the way for over 300 yards total offense by A-State in all but one game and over 400 yards in 10 outings during 2019, including a season-high 558 yards against Troy . . . with Horst and the offensive line providing protection, the Red Wolves' passing yards per game (312.1) was the second highest average in the Sun Belt and ranked 10th in the nation . . . A-State also ranked fourth in the league in scoring offense and fifth in total offense behind Horst and the offensive line . . . helped secure the time needed for the Red Wolves' quarterbacks to throw 37 touchdown passes that were the most in the conference and tied for eighth in the country . . . also helped paved the way for running back Marcel Murray to be named All-Sun Belt Conference . . . Athletics Director's Honor Roll member.
2018 SEASON (FRESHMAN): Played his true freshman season at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Four-year letterwinner at Middleton High School in Middletown, Wisconsin . . . named both all-conference and all-area . . . selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Game . . . born Feb. 7, 2000 . . . son of Gary and Sandi Horst . . . communication major.
Defensive tackle Jacob Slade (Lewis Center, Ohio) – Arizona Cardinals
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Four-year letterwinner played in 42 games with the Spartans, including 26 starts (seven in 2020, 12 in 2021, seven in 2022) . . . disruptive and powerful defensive tackle collected 88 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss (36 yards), 4.0 sacks (25 yards), four pass break-ups, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick in his career . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in May 2022.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Entered the season on watch lists for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award and was a second-team Walter Camp preseason All-American, but was limited to eight games due to an injury he suffered in Week 2 vs. Akron . . . was forced to miss four straight games from Weeks 3-6 . . . finished the season with seven starts at defensive tackle in eight games overall . . . played a total of 311 snaps . . . despite missing four games, still earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades by the coaches and media . . . finished the season with 20 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss (9 yards) and a half sack . . . still ranked fifth on the team with a total of 11 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus . . . started first two games (Akron, Western Michigan) at defensive tackle, before missing the next four games (Ohio State, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington) with an injury . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game in Week 7 and re-assumed starting lineup spot in last five games (Penn State, Indiana, Rutgers, Illinois, Michigan) . . . logged season-highs for tackles and tackles for loss with five stops and 1.5 TFL at Penn State game after starting at defensive tackle and playing 46 snaps . . . after starting Indiana game at defensive tackle, registered four tackles with 0.5 TFL (4 yards) on 0.5 sack, in 43 snaps . . . started Rutgers game at defensive tackle, notching his first career blocked kick, as well as two tackles, including 0.5 tackle for loss and one QB hurry, in 59 snaps, for not only the most snaps since returning from injury, but a season-high snaps . . . was starting defensive tackle in win at No. 16 Illinois, tallying two tackles with 0.5 TFL in 18 snaps . . . reclaimed starting spot in Michigan game, posting three tackles in 50 snaps . . . returned to action in Wisconsin game after missing previous four contests with an injury, and logged one stop in 32 snaps . . . started Akron game at defensive tackle and recorded one tackle in playing 17 snaps, before suffering injury . . . started in season opener vs. Western Michigan at defensive tackle, tallying two tackles with 0.5 tackle for loss, in playing 46 snaps, tying for the most among defensive linemen.
2021 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR): Earned first-team All-Big Ten accolades from Pro Football Focus . . . also garnered second-team All-Big Ten honors by The Associated Press, third team by the media and honorable mention by the coaches . . . saw action in all 13 games and made 12 consecutive starts to close the season . . . recorded career bests in tackles (40), TFLs (5.0 for 19 yards) and sacks (2.5 for 16 yards) . . . played a total of 651 snaps . . . graded out at 86.1 by Pro Football Focus, the best on the team . . . also according to PFF, had 40 QB pressures, the most of any Big Ten interior lineman and tied for 10th most among interior DL in the FBS . . . also had 33 QB hurries, which led Big Ten defensive tackles and ranked tied for third in FBS among DTs, according to PFF . . . named to the Associated Press All-Bowl Team after an impressive performance in the win over No. 12 Pitt in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, recording a career-high 1.5 sacks (11 yards) and tying a career-high 2.0 TFLs (11 yards) . . . had six stops overall against the Panthers as Pitt was held to a season-low 274 yards of total offense . . . logged three tackles with one TFL vs. Penn State, posting 40 snaps . . . registered pair of stops at Ohio State in 49 snaps . . . tallied two tackles in Maryland game, playing 53 snaps . . . posted pair of stops at Purdue, starting at defensive tackle and playing 63 snaps . . . started Michigan game at defensive tackle, tallying three tackles and one pass break-up in playing 60 snaps . . . started at Indiana and logged five tackles and one QB hurry in matching his jersey number by playing 64 snaps . . . registered four tackles and a 19-yard fumble recovery at Rutgers, recording 49 snaps . . . tallied two tackles against Western Kentucky in playing 58 snaps . . . had breakout performance in Nebraska game, notching a career-high eight tackles (five solo, three assists) with 2.0 TFLs and 1.0 sack, doubling previous career-best of four stops, surpassing that in solo tackles alone, in 57 snaps . . . was starting defensive tackle at Miami, logging 49 snaps and posting one tackle . . . started in Youngstown State game, posting one stop in 35 snaps . . . saw action in season-opening win at Northwestern, logging one tackle and one pass break-up, in playing 36 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE): Started all seven games at defensive tackle, posting 13 tackles with 0.5 TFL, one pass break-up and three QB hurries, in playing 274 snaps . . . tallied two tackles at Penn State . . . compiled three tackles with 0.5 TFL and two QB hurries vs. No. 3 Ohio State . . . started Northwestern game at defensive tackle, logging 38 snaps, and registering one stop and one pass break-up . . . posting a pair of stops in 42 snaps vs. No. 10 Indiana . . . recorded career-high four stops at Iowa . . . tallied one tackle along with a QB hurry in 52 snaps in win over No. 13 Michigan . . . made first start of career in starting at defensive tackle in season opener vs. Rutgers and played 55 snaps.
2019 SEASON (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter . . . played 262 snaps while rotating at defensive tackle . . . recorded 14 tackles, including 2.5 for losses (6 yards) and one sack (5 yards) . . . posted a career-best 2.0 TFLs, including his first career sack for 5 yards, while tallying a total of three stops in helping MSU to a win over Wake Forest in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl . . . had one pass break-up in Maryland game . . . had season-high three tackles and 0.5 TFL against Penn State.
2018 SEASON: Redshirted . . . played 11 snaps at defensive tackle and recorded one assisted tackle in his only appearance of the year in the season opener vs. Utah State.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: First-team Division 1 all-state selection as an offensive lineman by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association . . . also named a first-team All-Central District and Columbus Dispatch All-Metro honoree . . . named Ohio Capital Conference (Buckeye Division) Co-Defensive Player of the Year . . . ranked one of the top players in the state of Ohio by 247Sports (No. 34), ESPN.com (No. 47) and Rivals.com (No. 60) . . . listed as one of best defensive tackle prospects in Ohio by Rivals.com (No. 5) . . . rated one of the best defensive tackles in the nation by ESPN.com (No. 93) . . . named one of the top 150 players in the Midwest by ESPN.com . . . played for Coach Mark Solis at Olentangy High School . . . helped lead Olentangy to the Region 2 semifinals and an 8-4 record his senior season after recording 73 tackles, including 13 for losses with two sacks . . . led the Braves with eight sacks and had 53 tackles overall as a junior in 2016 to earn second-team All-Ohio Capital Conference honors . . . son of Rick and Shannon Slade . . . born Feb. 23, 2000 . . . twin brother of Zach Slade, who is a defensive lineman for the Spartans . . . graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics in May 2022.
Linebacker Ben VanSumeren (Bay City, Mich.) – Philadelphia Eagles
Career Bio (PDF)
CAREER NOTES: Two-year letterwinner (2021-22) played in 24 games for the Spartans . . . transferred in May 2021 from Michigan . . . played in 39 collegiate career games overall (15 games at UM from 2018-20; 24 games at MSU in 2021-22) with 13 starts (two at UM in 2020, one at MSU in 2021, 10 at MSU in 2022) . . . earned three letters for the Wolverines (2018-20) and two for the Spartans (2021-22) . . . had 100 career tackles (seven in 2020 at UM, 12 in 2021 at MSU, 81 in 2022 at MSU), with 4.0 tackles for loss (31 yards), 2.0 sacks (22 yards) and two pass break-ups, adding nine career carries for 20 yards and one rushing TD (all at UM) . . . earned an invite to the 2023 East-West Shrine Game in Las Vegas.
2022 SEASON (GRADUATE SENIOR): Started at linebacker in 10 games in playing in 11 contests, missing one game due to injury . . . registered a career-high 81 tackles (27 solo, 54 assists), which ranked third on the team . . . had with 3.0 tackles for loss (30 yards), 2.0 sacks (22 yards), two pass break-ups and one QB hurry . . . played a career-high 626 snaps at linebacker . . . also appeared in 111 special teams plays . . . had four double-digit tackle outings, including a career-high 14 vs. Maryland in Week 5 . . . had four solo tackles in 65 snaps while starting at linebacker vs. Penn State . . . started at linebacker against Indiana and notched six stops with 1.0 TFL on 1.0 sack for second straight game with a sack, in playing 38 snaps . . . was credited with a 13-yard sack on an intentional grounding call in the second quarter of the Rutgers game for first sack of collegiate career, and tallied eight stops overall on the day in playing 46 snaps . . . returned to action in game at Illinois and registered 10 tackles for fourth double-digit tackle performance of the season, logging 50 snaps . . .did not play at Michigan game due to injury . . . tallied two tackles in Wisconsin game, registering 18 plays . . . recorded eight stops in Ohio State, starting the contest at linebacker and playing 70 snaps . . . posted a career-high 14 tackles (five solo, nine assists) after starting at linebacker at Maryland, in playing in 75 of the 78 defensive snaps . . . started at linebacker in Minnesota game, tallying 11 stops in playing 77 snaps . . . was starting linebacker at Washington, notching six tackles . . . started Akron game at linebacker, logging one tackle and first career pass break-up, adding one QB hurry in 43 snaps . . . made second start of Spartan career by starting season opener vs. Western Michigan at linebacker, logging 11 tackles, which nearly matched his 2021 total of 12 tackles . . . added one tackle for loss while playing 64 snaps, leading the Spartan linebacker corps and ranking fourth overall on the defense.
2021 SEASON (REDSHIRT JUNIOR): Played in all 13 games to earn his first letter at MSU . . . collected 12 tackles (seven solo, five assists) . . . logged 122 defensive snaps and 133 special teams plays . . . was in on 15 special teams plays in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. No. 12 Pitt . . . posted one stop in Penn State game on opening kickoff of second half, part of 10 special teams plays . . . recorded career-high four tackles, including 1.0 tackle for loss, at Ohio State in logging 24 snaps . . . saw limited action on both defense and special teams in Maryland game . . . saw special teams action at Purdue . . . was in on special teams in Michigan game against his former team . . . saw limited action on defense and special teams at Indiana . . . started at linebacker at Rutgers in place of Cal Haladay and recorded one tackle in 15 snaps . . . logged one tackle in playing 14 defensive snaps in Western Kentucky contest . . . posted one tackle in playing seven snaps in Nebraska game . . . notched one tackle in playing seven snaps at Miami . . . posted three tackles in playing 28 snaps in home-opener against Youngstown State . . . made Spartan debut in season-opening win at Northwestern, playing 20 defensive snaps.
2020 SEASON (REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE AT MICHIGAN): Played in all six games, including two starts at linebacker (vs. Indiana and Penn State), to earn his third letter . . . also saw time on special teams . . . compiled seven tackles . . . had a season-high three tackles, all assists, at Rutgers . . . moved to linebacker from fullback for the 2020 season.
2019 SEASON (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT MICHIGAN): Appeared in five games to earn his second letter . . . had five carries for 20 yards as a fullback . . . had four carries for 7 yards and his first career touchdown vs. Middle Tennessee . . . also saw time on special teams.
2018 SEASON (MICHIGAN): Played in four games, two at fullback and two on special teams, to receive his first letter but preserved his redshirt season . . . made his collegiate debut against Western Michigan on Sept. 8.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Played at Garber High School in Essexville, Michigan . . . finished his high school career with 176 receptions for 2,888 yards and 29 touchdowns . . . led Bay County in receiving for three consecutive years . . . also rushed for 1,053 yards and 17 touchdowns on 160 carries and was 13-of-27 passing for 279 yards and four TDs . . . on defense, collected 79 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks, along with four interceptions during his career . . . three-time MLive Bay City Dream Team selection (2015-17) and 2017 Bay City Player of the Year (MLive) . . . participated in the 2017 Nike The Opening in Cleveland and won overall ratings MVP at the camp . . . had 43 stops, four TFLs and one sack as a senior in 2017 . . . had 85 receptions, a state record for the regular-season only, for 1,259 yards and 13 TDs during his senior year . . . was also 11-of-25 passing for 249 yards and three TDs . . . rushed for 387 yards on 54 carries (7.2 avg.) with six TDs . . . named the Associated Press Player of the Year for Divisions 5-6 as a senior . . . also named first-team all-state by the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News . . . was a Dream Team selection by The Detroit News as a senior in 2017 . . . was named one of the top overall prospects in the state of Michigan in the class of 2017 by ESPN.com (No. 14), Rivals.com (No. 15) and 247Sports (No. 15) . . . caught 49 passes for 776 yards and eight scores and rushed for 489 yards and six TDs as a junior in 2016 . . . had 42 receptions for 853 yards and eight TDs as a sophomore . . . born May 5, 2000 . . . son of Jeff and Cindy VanSumeren . . . younger brother, Alex, is a defensive lineman for the Spartans.
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