Michigan State DC Joe Rossi speaks to media amidst fall camp opening

[ASFN Admin]

The Michigan State football 2026 campaign is quickly coming up on us, and fall camp is fully underway, as the Spartans have now gotten several practices under their belt to get acquainted with new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. However, it's not a completely new coaching staff in East Lansing, as the Spartans managed to hold onto some key personnel, such as defensive coordinator Joe Rossi.

Rossi is sharing defensive coordinator responsibilities with Max Bullough, but this year, won't have to also coach a position group, while Bullough handles the linebackers. On Monday, Rossi talked to the media about the team, his role, and players that are starting to stand out. You can see a few key takeaways from that session below:

• According to Rossi, cornerback Charles Brantley told him that EDGE Kenny Soares Jr. is 'the most competitive' player he's ever been around. Soares was voted by MSU's players to wear the No. 1 jersey this season. Rossi also said that there are times the coaching staff has to pull Soares back (something they want).
• Rossi noted that it's different for him to work with Pat Fitzgerald, as he hasn't worked with a defensive-focused head coach since his Division III coaching days, so Fitzgerald gets where things are coming from on his side.
• Said that Brady Pretzlaff 'hasn't missed a beat' since being injured.
• He listed off several players he feels have 'high football IQ'. Those players were:
  • Nikai Martinez
  • Jordan Hall
  • Chuck Brantley
  • Ben Roberts
  • Devin Vaught
  • Michael Richard
  • Brady Pretzlaff
• Said that Anelu Lafaele is having a great camp rushing the passer.
• Said he expects Chuck Brantley to have his best season this year.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State DC Joe Rossi speaks to media amidst fall camp opening

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