East Lansing Welcomes Standout Linebacker David Santiago from Air Force to Bolster Spartans’ Defense

East Lansing Welcomes David Santiago from Air Force

East Lansing, MI – David Santiago, a standout linebacker from the Air Force Academy, has announced his transfer commitment to Michigan State University. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker made the announcement on social media earlier this week, joining the Spartans as they seek to bolster their defensive lineup ahead of the next season.

Details of the Transfer

Santiago, who has three years of eligibility left, has a strong track record that includes a notable performance during the 2024 NCAA college football season. He played a pivotal role for the Falcons, starting in all ten games he appeared in, and recorded impressive statistics with 38 tackles, five of which were for a loss. He also added 3.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries to his resume this past season. Despite being an unranked recruit out of North Carolina, Santiago proved to be a significant contributor to his team’s defense.

Spartans’ Need for Defensive Reinforcement

This transfer comes at a crucial time for Michigan State as they aim to recover from a challenging season. Following the end of the season, the Spartans lost 13 players to the transfer portal, searching for new talent to fill key positions. Santiago is the twelfth transfer addition to the team, and he joins teammate Anelu Lafaele, who also plays as an edge rusher. This search for talent is part of Michigan State’s strategy to enhance their defensive capabilities, particularly their pass rush, which had faced considerable struggles last season.

Defensive Improvement Goals

The Spartans struggled significantly with their pass rush, going six consecutive games without a sack at one point. In total, the team ended the season with only 19 sacks, highlighting a desperate need for stronger defensive plays. By bringing in Santiago and Lafaele, the Spartans aim to rectify these deficiencies and make a stronger push in the upcoming season.

Coaching Strategy

Michigan State’s coaching staff is eager to integrate Santiago into their defensive scheme. His ability to play as a rush end makes him an ideal fit for their plans moving forward. The coaches are expected to capitalize on Santiago’s skill set, harnessing his speed and size to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Looking Ahead

As the Spartans prepare for the next chapter in their football program, fans are hopeful that Santiago’s addition will provide the spark needed to invigorate the team’s defense. The impact of the transfer portal on college sports has been significant, and the influx of new talent can reshape a team’s fortunes almost overnight.

The upcoming season holds promise for both Santiago and Michigan State, as they continue to work towards building a competitive program. Excitement is brewing among fans and players alike as they anticipate the next steps in their football journey.