A Michigan State football insider reveals his top breakout candidates for the 2024 season.
As Michigan State football enters its second week of fall camp, it’s time to spotlight some potential breakout stars for the upcoming season.
While fans don’t have daily access to practice, Michigan State’s reporters and insiders, who do, can offer valuable insights. Kenny Jordan of On3’s Spartan Mag has identified two players to watch: defensive tackles Ben Roberts and Alex VanSumeren.
This offseason was tough for the Spartans, particularly on the defensive line, which saw key players like Derrick Harmon and Simeon Barrow Jr. depart via the transfer portal. Despite these setbacks, the “next man up” philosophy is in play, and early reports suggest Roberts and VanSumeren are stepping up impressively.
Roberts, a four-star recruit from the 2022 class who transferred from Oregon, and VanSumeren, also a four-star from the same class, have both shown promise during fall camp. Their performance is especially crucial given the significant need for depth on the defensive line.
Though concerns about the defensive line were high, Jordan’s observations offer a glimmer of hope. As the season opener approaches, there’s renewed optimism about the potential impact of Roberts and VanSumeren, even though they have limited college experience. Michigan State’s season begins in less than three weeks, and fans are eager to see how these emerging players will perform.
