Scottie Hazelton was tabbed as the assistant coach to talk to the media on Tuesday this week. Hazelton’s defense is coming off of a masterclass performance against Illinois on Saturday.
Due to injuries, and the subsequent defensive struggles because of those injuries, Hazelton has been the focus of a lot of discussion amongst the Michigan State fan base.
It was Hazelton’s turn to talk, and he dove inside Michigan State’s defense ahead of their matchup with Rutgers.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.
MSU defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton at the podium. Says the experience players got early coupled with guys back from injury has helped the defense. "They understand what we're doing and what they're supposed to be doing."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 8, 2022
Hazelton: "Every week is an evaluation of what we can do." Depends on personnel available to run things installed in spring and summer. "A few weeks ago, we said screw it, let's go."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 8, 2022
MSU DC Scottie Hazelton crediting his defense for embracing the adversity at Illinois. "It was great to see how the guys responded."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) November 8, 2022
Hazelton points to being able to get young guys like Jaden Mangham, Dillon Tatum and Malik Spencer experience and growing "to understand the whole scheme."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 8, 2022
Hazelton on Malik Spencer: "He's a different guy." Said he was injured early but took "mental reps" in getting to understand the defense. "He put himself in a position" to play.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 8, 2022
Hazelton said "you really try not to" pay attention to the noise from earlier in the season about him and his defense. "Sure, you hear it. … The truth is never about that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 8, 2022
