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A former Spartan is making a strong impression in his short time with his new team.
Former Michigan State defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren transferred to USC this offseason and he has already made a noticeable impact, according to Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. He spoke on Tuesday during Big Ten Media Days about the leadership qualities VanSumeren has shown since arriving at USC.
"Alex VanSumeren, a transfer that came in, was one of the guys that we identified, not only for his playstyle, but his leadership capabilities," Riley said during Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday.
Riley added that VanSumeren has become a leader in a "very talented" defensive line room.
VanSumeren was a defensive leader for the Spartans the past few seasons, appearing in all 24 games during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. He ended his Spartans career with appearances in 28 games, recording 71 tackles (4 1/2 for loss), three sacks and one pass defended.
VanSumeren was initially believed to be returning for his final season with the Spartans, but pivoted late in the portal window. That ultimately led to him landing at USC where he will be a key factor in the Trojans' efforts to contend for a Big Ten title this fall.
Losing VanSumeren to the portal was one of the biggest blows to the Spartans this offseason. So it's no surprise to hear Riley speaking highly of him during media days. Luckily, Michigan State doesn't play USC this year so they won't have to face their former star defensive lineman but it sure would have been nice to have him still wearing the green-and-white this fall instead of a Trojans' uniform.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former Spartan receives high praise from new coach during Big Ten Media Days
Continue reading...
Former Michigan State defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren transferred to USC this offseason and he has already made a noticeable impact, according to Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. He spoke on Tuesday during Big Ten Media Days about the leadership qualities VanSumeren has shown since arriving at USC.
"Alex VanSumeren, a transfer that came in, was one of the guys that we identified, not only for his playstyle, but his leadership capabilities," Riley said during Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday.
Riley added that VanSumeren has become a leader in a "very talented" defensive line room.
VanSumeren was a defensive leader for the Spartans the past few seasons, appearing in all 24 games during the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. He ended his Spartans career with appearances in 28 games, recording 71 tackles (4 1/2 for loss), three sacks and one pass defended.
VanSumeren was initially believed to be returning for his final season with the Spartans, but pivoted late in the portal window. That ultimately led to him landing at USC where he will be a key factor in the Trojans' efforts to contend for a Big Ten title this fall.
Losing VanSumeren to the portal was one of the biggest blows to the Spartans this offseason. So it's no surprise to hear Riley speaking highly of him during media days. Luckily, Michigan State doesn't play USC this year so they won't have to face their former star defensive lineman but it sure would have been nice to have him still wearing the green-and-white this fall instead of a Trojans' uniform.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former Spartan receives high praise from new coach during Big Ten Media Days
Continue reading...
