WATCH: MSU DT Alex VanSumeren Talks Fall Camp, First Scrimmage, More

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State’s interior defensive line is one of the deepest position groups on the team.

Several players are fighting for a starting job, and the goal in Week 3 of fall camp will be for them to create separation.

One of those competing is redshirt junior Alex VanSumeren, who now has a full season under his belt and is looking to take the next step.

VanSumeren addressed the media on Monday.

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith also spoke to reporters on Monday. Below is a partial transcript:

Q: How are you managing motivation a few weeks out?

Smith: “Yeah, it’s an important piece, right? We’ve been going — I think it’s, what is it today? 11th or 12th — kind of hit them strongly on Sunday of this idea of not just kind of getting through it but truly improving through this week. And I was happy with today, coming off a scrimmage. We got a bunch of reps on Saturday. I thought it was crisp, and we’ll go again in the next couple of days in full pads.

“Because we do, we need to improve. There’s some competition. Kind of described it as a week of separation to the team in regards to, yeah, depth charts, but also just teams themselves. What team can separate in regards to getting better through these dog days of camp.”

Q: What questions does Saturday answer for you?

Smith: “I thought depth defensively showed up. A lot of guys, a lot of reps there. Played sound defense pretty much throughout. And so, that kind of re-confirms some of our feeling. I think we took some steps in the run game, to be honest with you. There was some quality carries out of the backfield, offensive line doing some stuff. Especially in the middle part of the scrimmage, so that was good to see. I think we’re progressing there. Still a lot to work on, though.”

Q: What about cornerbacks? Did you learn anything about them?

Smith: “Lot of guys and a decent amount of rotation. On the corner piece, was really pleased with our tackling. They got guys on the ground — balls on the perimeter and in space. Contested some. Actually caused a fumble on one. So, we were pleased with the physicality of the corners.”

Alex VanSumeren / Starr Portice, Michigan State on SI

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