Michigan State defensive lineman Jacob Slade announced his intent to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, foregoing his extra year of eligibility granted by the pandemic. He made the announcement Saturday afternoon through his Twitter account. Slade finished the season with 20 total tackles but was forced to sit out four games due to injury.
MSU defensive lineman Jacob Slade declares for 2023 NFL Draft
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Jacob Slade, 64, stops Dexter Williams II, 5, during Michigan State’s last game at home against Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 at Spartan Stadium. Indiana ultimately beat the Spartans, 39-31.
Slade first joined the program in 2018 where he redshirted before earning a starting spot at defensive tackle in 2019. Since then, Slade has played a key role on the defensive line and became a veteran leader during the 2022 season.
After starting the first two games of the season, Slade went down with an injury causing him to miss the next four games. He returned against Wisconsin along with fifth-year safety Xavier Henderson and the difference the two made was immediately felt.
“Slade and X, they’re good football players,” Head Coach Mel Tucker said after the Wisconsin game. “Slade anchors our front seven and X (Henderson) runs the show in the back end.”
Slade made his presence felt once again against Rutgers when he blocked a field goal that would’ve put the Scarlet Knights within four. He timed the block perfectly, bringing momentum back to the Spartans who ultimately won the game.
Slade is the fifth Spartan thus far to announce their intent to declare for the draft, following redshirt senior wide receiver Jayden Reed, fifth-year tight end Daniel Barker, redshirt senior linebacker Ben VanSumeren, and senior defensive end Kendell Brooks.
The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.
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