Ad Disclosure
Scottie Hazelton tabs Michigan State’s top Edge options, pass-rush plans for 2022
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Scottie Hazelton knows his unit was not up to snuff in 2021. Despite an 11-win season for Michigan State, the Spartans gave up more than 440 yards of offense per game and were continually gashed in the passing game.
Now, the DC for Mel Tucker is focused on preventing things from getting out of hand in 2022. One area focused on in fall camp is the pass rush.
Regardless of who lines up in the secondary, a strong pass rush and the ability to get the QB on the ground vastly improves the defense. Following Thursday’s practice, Hazelton tabbed Jeff Pietrowski and Florida transfer Khris Bogle as his top Edge options in fall camp.
Brandon Wright is also in the picture, and Hazelton wants to increase the usage of linebackers in the pass rush.
Hazelton points to Jeff Pietrowski and Khris Bogle as his top DEs, but adds that Brandon Wright is having a great camp. MSU also using some LBs on third downs to help create more of a pass rush.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 11, 2022
Pietrowski enters his junior season coming off a 2021 campaign where he posted 7 TFL and 5.5 sacks. Bogle joins the program after 10 TFL and 7 sacks across 3 seasons at Florida. Wright saw limited action in 2021 after transitioning from running back but did chip in 3.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.