Scottie Hazelton searching for 'hardest-playing dudes' for MSU defense
Scottie Hazelton didn’t shy away from what he wants out of his defense in a recent interview. The Michigan State DC has some high expectations for his group in 2022.
He stated that he wants to be the hardest-playing defense in the nation, and “to be hardest-playing dudes in the world.”
Hazelton doubles down and now says he wants the defense “to be the hardest-playing dudes in the world.” https://t.co/cTzwWjr2cX
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 11, 2022
Hazelton also identified 2 positions that the team will be leaning into this fall. He is really looking forward to using the DT room in East Lansing. The nickel position is another area of the defense that Hazelton highlighted, especially with the move of Darius Snow to LB.
Another area that was mentioned by the Michigan State DC was moving Brandon Wright to DE. Wright played RB for the Spartans last season, and has really taken to his new role on the defensive side of the ball, according to Hazelton.
Michigan State made sure to beef up the defense through the transfer portal as well. Hazelton has liked how Mississippi State Aaron Brule transfer and UNLV transfer Jacoby Windmon have embraced their leadership roles so far.
Here is everything Hazelton spoke about at the presser:
MSU defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton: “We want to be the hardest-playing defense in the nation.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 11, 2022
Hazelton says they’ll be “leaning into” the strength at defensive tackle. “That’s a good room, man. Those D-tackles are fun to watch.”
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) August 11, 2022
Hazelton says DE Brandon Wright (a former RB) is having a great fall camp. He’s coming along in his pass rush.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) August 11, 2022
Hazelton says adding LBs Brule and Windmon as transfers “takes the level of our room up a notch.” Points to UNLV transfer Windmon as a “great leader” and Miss. State transfer Brule as an athletic addition who has been making “sweet” plays so far in camp.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 11, 2022
Hazelton says MSU’s nickel position “will be big for us” with moving Darius Snow to LB. Giving a number of guys opportunities right now, potentially could be a matchup situation with players’ strengths.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 11, 2022
