EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State’s pass rush kicked off last season with a bang but lost its spark after the first trio of games.
This offseason, the focus has been laser-sharp on fixing that, with defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa determined to mold a powerhouse unit upfront that can wreak havoc on any Big Ten offense.
Suiaunoa opened up about this and more during his media session following the Spartans’ 10th spring practice on Tuesday.
Q: How do you handle installing schemes while keeping the transfer portal in mind?
Smith: “Honestly, it’s not a big factor for me. We’re all-in on the guys we’ve got. We’re not sitting around holding back just in case someone bolts. We know how the game works—players will get their shot here in these last two weeks of April.
“But we’re feeling solid about what we’re putting in place and working on. Our focus is sharpening those schemes. We want reps in April, then we’ll chew on it again through the summer and into August.”
Q: Brian Lindgren mentioned the offense is ahead of where it was last year—do you see it that way too?
Smith: “Yeah, I’d say so. We’ve got most of our crew in Year 2 now, which helps. Plus, some of the new guys who joined in January hit the ground running. They’re getting more reps, no doubt. The receiver spot’s got some good, healthy competition brewing, and the newcomers there are proving they can make a difference.
“Up front, the offensive line’s got competition too. We’re healthier, stronger, and the battles along the line are pushing us forward.”
Leave a Reply