Spring Practice Quotes: Catching Up With the Spartan Defense

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State football team held its 10th spring practice on Tuesday morning on the practice fields outside the Duffy Daugherty Football Building.

Following practice, Secchia Family Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Joe Rossi, Defensive Line Coach Legi Suiaunoa, sixth-year senior defensive lineman Khris Bogle and sophomore defensive lineman Jalen Thompson gave an update on the Spartan defense with five practices remaining in the spring.

Michigan State will conclude spring practice with the Spring Showcase, presented by Michigan Achievement Scholarship, on Saturday, April 20 at Spartan Stadium. Admission is free for the 2 p.m. event and the stadium gates will open at 12:15 p.m. For more information, please click here.

Secchia Family Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Joe Rossi

Progress report on spring practices…
The guys been working hard. They've been doing a great job coming in and studying film; they've been practicing hard. We've been pleased with their efforts, learning the defense and the system. We're making good progress.

On how he's trying to introduce the scheme…
Being deliberate and intentional. What does that mean? Designing practice schedules and scripts to be deliberate about the things we're trying to get implemented. As a player, you talk about practice, there's a difference between effort and there's a difference between intentionality. There's effort but then your intentional about what you're doing. I'll say that's the key difference.

On the difference between practice and the scrimmage from last Saturday…
I think it puts more, quote unquote, 'pressure on the players.' You have practice and it's play to play, it's all scripted right? You get into a scrimmage, it's more of a true game like feel, you're putting the ball down and you're playing. It's not quite a game. Sometimes you take it for granted as a player. You get in that situation, now you forget or overlook some of the fundamentals that were there in a more control environment. The more we can put them in those type of situations, the better.

On his thoughts of how the scrimmage went…
I thought they ran to the ball well. They were physical. Saw some good individual plays, but also saw some plays that needed to be improved and corrected. Our process is, let's look at that scrimmage and what can I learn from it. If I made a mistake, where can I improve, how can I get better. Take all that information you can get from that scrimmage and go apply it to practice.

On how he teaches the new system to players that were in a different system last season…
There are two things that are going to happen simultaneously. One, we want to get this done as soon as possible. Two, we understand it's going to take time. Those two realities can occur at the same time. We're working as hard as we can. The expectations are to get it as quickly as we can. But the reality is, it's going to take time. They have to be able to have a new verbiage, as well as new fundamentals and technique that they are learning. They got to be able to do that together. It's one thing to do you it yourself, but now you got to be able to do it with 10 other guys. It's a race to get that done as quickly as possible. We don't put a timetable on it. Every guy is different base on what they're able to handle. They just got to do it.

On the slate being wiped clean, does experienced players have to prove themselves all over again…
That's life. I'm doing that as a coach. You go get a new job, you got to do that. You go to a new school, you got to do that. You go to the NFL, you got to do that. To me, I understand there's a challenge to it, but I think anytime in life you use it as a lesson. You're always constantly proving yourself. If you feel like you don't need to prove yourself anymore, that's when you'll get passed by someone else.

On is it a solid foundation having veteran defensive line and secondary as a new defensive coordinator…
Yeah. I think you have a lot of guys who have played a lot of football. Anytime guys played a lot of football, regardless of scheme, they have some awareness and been in hard situations. When you have those guys, you appreciate it.

On what players picked up the new scheme quickly…
I think the guys who've shown themselves, played the most football. We have guys who played a lot over the years. D Harm [Derrick Harmon] is a guy who played a lot of football; Cal [Haladay] played a lot of football; Jaden Mangham played a lot of football. I'm seeing a lot of good stuff from all of the guys. Most of our guys have seen significant jumps. We just got to keep at it. There are more installs to come. We're making that final two-week push before spring ball ends.

On areas of emphasis for the next two weeks before the showcase…
I want to see us get better in some of our true zone coverages. Just being able to play top, down, vision, break, being able to rally and utilize your help in making tackles. I want to see us add to our third down package, we have some things that aren't in that we really want to emphasize. Anytime you're putting something in for the first time, you really got to be detailed. Those two things for the last two weeks.

On what does Jordan Turner bring to the defense…
First thing is, he's a great person. I love coaching the kid. Two, he works his butt off and three, he's talented. When you got a guy who's a great person, works really hard and is really talented, they are fun to coach. He's been great for the room. I got really lucky, the linebacker room is top notch with great people and they work really hard.

On where the rush end position came from and traits he looks for in a guy…
Over the years when we first started running it, it was more of a weakside end. As the years went on, we transitioned it to more of a standup. Vision helps that player, standing on your feet helps the ability to cover. That guy has to be able to do two things; rush the passer and athletic enough to cover. Those players over the years in our defense have been playmaker type guys for us. That's what we're looking for.

On how he visions using Angelo Grose's and Dillon Tatum's versatility…
We're still figuring that out. That's not a cop out, it's the truth. If we were implementing a new scheme, having guys play three different positions and learn it all new, that doesn't make sense. That's my fault. Those guys have to get in position and learn it. Then as they feel comfortable with that initial one, then you start to introduce some variety. Both are physical. Both are athletic. Both are smart guys.

On how much fun he's having working with a new group…
It's awesome. We have a really good people here on the staff. We have really good players in terms of people. It's the opposite of the last situation from this standpoint. We been there for a while, the system been in place. Now, this is starting over. Every time there's a new challenge, we all feel the energy to it, you kind of have to up your game a little bit. It's been fun.

On does it make it more difficult to teach the system without tackling…
You can get a ton done with thud. Everything up front is live. There's a good physical finish to the tackle, you just don't go to the ground. Being able to walk that fine from being physical and keeping people healthy. The more people on the ground, the more people get hurt. It's not just the guy getting the tackle, it's the lineman standing near the pile that's getting tackled into.

On how Cal Haladay is doing…
Good. I've been pleased. I think he moves well. Covers well. He's savvy. He's grizzled as an older guy. I been impressed with him moving and he's shown the ability to run.

On Jordan Hall…
He's doing a good job. He's physical. He works very hard. He has good speed. I've seen him do some things out in space that caught my eye. Doing a good job in terms of rush things in terms of blitzing. He's a guy we been pleased with.

On does he have enough to play four linebackers…
The thing about the room right now is, they're all guys who can contribute this year, which hasn't been the case over my career. Every one of these guys can contribute. The thing I've been pleased with is all those guys shown themselves to be contributors.

On linebacker Wayne Matthews…
I love Wayne. He's a guy who does everything with great intentions. He plays well fundamentally. I think he does really well in coverage. Again, it goes back to the depth of that room.

On depth of the safety room…
We got a lot of guys that played a lot of spots. We're in the process of moving them and seeing them to get them different looks. I'm pleased with the progress. We've made great strides in the last two weeks and I think it's been good.

Defensive Line coach Legi Suiaunoa

On the transition and being back…
It's been great. Obviously knowing the head football coach and knowing this program and being a part of this program in the last six seasons, we know what to expect. What I didn't know was how the community building, and the guys on the team, so that's a bit of a transition. Then Coach Rossi, working with him and learning new things from him, so overall it's been smooth.On how things have been different or unique defensively…
Well, Coach Rossi has had a lot of success defensively, so I have been excited. I haven't really been looking at what's different, I just wanted to see what makes his defense successful and I am just trying to be a part of it and dive into it as much as I can.

On how the guys are progressing…
I could not be happier with the guys in the room in terms of just who they are. These are some incredible young men. I have been fortunate enough to walk in and be a part of that room. They have probably taught me more about Michigan State than I have taught them. We have gotten into spring ball so we are learning a little bit more football. It is always nice to walk into a room and you have guys who have played a lot of football and have a lot of experience and success.

On conversations with Derrick Harmon, Simeon Barrow, and Maverick Hansen about coming back in 2024…
There were a lot of those conversations. The last 10 weeks (of the 2023 season) have been a heck of a deal for them and it wasn't easy on anybody. And so, we try to meet with everybody that was here on the roster, especially that group. It really is more so introducing myself, what they can expect from me, and hopefully the program that we are trying to re-create the success here. They have had a lot of success here at Michigan State in the past and so those are just the conversations I can tell you. Obviously they have had some scars, and it's not my job to fix those scars. But, it is my job to come in and introduce myself and help them continue to develop as football players and as people.

On what he has learned about Michigan State that you didn't know before coming here…
As a college football guy, you have always known how successful they are and the tradition they have had. This campus is unbelievable. I was talking after practice about how when the sun is out like this, it just is incredible. The people in the building, how supportive the community is for the team, the recruiting base, the state of Michigan, high school football here and within a three-hour radius and all the other things put together just shows the quality of this place.

On likes and dislikes of Saturday's scrimmage…
I really liked that we got to scrimmage. Obviously, we had some bodies that were down in the early part of the scrimmage but just getting out there and playing football and seeing what these guys can do when it's live is awesome. Our job is to hopefully see the natural reactions because the way they play helps identify some of the things we need to continue to work on or we need to address. Also, you can see when there is a scrimmage piece and 11 guys on the field that are working to accomplish something together. I thought we did some really good things as a defensive team working together and then there are some things we didn't work together on and things didn't work in our favor. So, coming out of that scrimmage, we have a little bit of an idea of what guys can do fundamentally and what we need to pay attention to and an action plan for these next two weeks and ultimately get ready to work on in the summer.

On who he has seen for tackle and other positions…
Well, the good thing about spring is that we don't have to get ready to play in a game. Our main focus is just development and teaching what our fundamentals are. Right now, there is no set thing, but it really is just trying to make the best football player we can and create those fundamentals that we believe it takes to be a good defensive lineman in our system. We also have some bodies that can be inside or outside. That really is our focus for spring ball.

On the difference between the big end position versus the rush end position...
There is not really too much of a difference. Obviously like being an inside guy or an outside guy. I think it's structured in a way that each individual player gets the attention he needs to be the best football player he can be. Coach Wilt has done an exceptional job throughout his career developing players and so that really is a big advantage that he gave us. There are some little intricacies in terms of what marks them a little bit different but in the grand scheme of things, we have ends that can play rush and rushes that can play end.

On how to implement something thud upfront versus everything all the time...
Well, in order to be a good tackler, you must be in a good position to tackle. I think thud and even tag are still teaching to tackle because our approach is to the ball carrier. The last part is putting our body on somebody and getting the ball carrier down and you can't necessarily do that. It is a physical game and we need to find new ways to alleviate some of that pressure. But every practice we are working on tackling regardless of whether we take the guy down or not. It is more so how we approach the ball, how we press the hip, and what type of tackle that our guys can use.

On experience in the defensive end and watching Bogle…
Well, Bogle has been more of a rush for us this spring. I think that the maturity and the leadership he has brought to the room with just him being here has been incredible for our program. I think for him, we are continuing to work on building great fundamentals during spring ball. Within the scheme, we need to learn how to get off on the block and I think he is doing that throughout spring ball.

On transfers (Quindarius Dunnigan and D'Quan Douse) and where he's been putting them…
We put both transfers that came in and they have been a great asset to our program right now. Douse is playing inside and Dunnigan is playing inside with us a little as well.

On the younger guys and freshmen…
They are really talented and they are really athletic. I think those guys got the skill set to have a great career. Obviously having just a talent and ability doesn't necessarily make you the best football player just yet, so we are working on that. I mean these guys were in high school not too long ago, so we like them a lot. I think those guys got a chance to be really good football players and they have some things to learn but we are really happy they are here with us.

On what allows those younger guys to make their way onto the football field…
They just got to do what we are asking everybody to do better than the veterans. Our job is to put those guys on the field that will give us the chance to win football games and if they can give us that chance, they will be on the field.

On Thompson's youth and experience…
I think Jalen is like an old soul. He is mature academically and with everything he does, it is elite. I think Jalen's approach is giving him the opportunity a little bit ahead than the guys in his class. Also, physical attributes. You don't find very many freshman who walk into a college meeting with a college body or a college weight. We are super fired up that he is here and we will be super fired up for what he will bring to the table this year.

Khris Bogle vs Penn State at Ford Field — **Khris Bogle is in his third season at Michigan State after transferring from Florida in January 2022.**

Defensive lineman Khris Bogle

On scrimmaging on Saturday…
Scrimmage was good. We were moving around, flying around. We just need to do the little things, like bettering our technique. As we go through the spring, we'll be way better.

On the excitement as a player to actually run plays…
I feel like as an older guy, it's learning everything new. Just flying around, hitting each other; we didn't do that over the winter and early on in spring. We were fired up.

On how he feels about the coaching transition…
I feel like that's the main reason I decided to come back. I talked to Coach Smith, Wilt and Rossi, I felt my role here was better, especially being an older guy and being a leader to the younger guys. I felt if I come back, they'll decide to come back.

On what's unique about the rush end position compared to the standard end position…
It's like an outside linebacker but out of a 4-3 front. We mix it up. It's like an outside linebacker role slash defensive end.

On is it similar to what he did at Florida…
Yeah, it's just like everything I did at Florida. Off ball, can rush and make everyone run around you. My size, technique, speed and being bigger and stronger than I was before will help me.

On tips and tricks he can give to the younger guys on adjusting to a new staff…
Everything is a clean slate. Take it day-by-day, that's the main key point. Figure out where you stand but also compete.

Defensive lineman Jalen Thompson

On leading from the startup to now in learning the new scheme…
Just building trust with your coaches. Getting every detail right, learning the playbook, going to the meeting rooms and remembering the whole playbook.

On being more confident and comfortable after having the experience under his belt…
Compared to last year, I'm definitely playing faster than I was last year. I know what I'm doing and what it takes.

On if the defensive line is taking on more of a leadership role under the new staff…
All the guys stepped up when they need to. We all got each other's back at the end of the day.

On if he surprised himself last year…
Yes and no. I didn't expect it to happen as fast as it did. But I was prepared and ready when the moment came.

On what made his stay at MSU…
I felt like when Coach Smith came in, he had good reviews. When he talked to us individually, he told us to give him an opportunity. He came in trying to build trust and that wanted me to give him an opportunity.

On activities Coach Smith had to build trust and how his relationship evolved with Smith…
Being able to spend one-on-one time. There's an open-door policy, you can go upstairs and talk to them.

On what the feeling was like hearing about the hiring of Coach Smith…
Like I said, he sat down with everybody. That really help because I got to see who he is as a person. Coach Smith is a man to his word; ever since he stepped in the door he did what he said he was going to do.