Michigan State DE Quindarius Dunnigan is quicker, leaner and smarter heading into final season

EAST LANSING, Mich. – There’s not many college football players who are fortunate enough get seven years of eligibility. Michigan State’s Quindarius Dunnigan is that category, and Michigan State may prove to be the fortunate one. Dunnigan will move into rarified territory when he takes the field on Aug. 30 for the Spartans’ season opener against Western Michigan. After  spending five seasons at Middle Tennessee State (2019-23), where he played in 33 games - despite missing the 2021 season due to injury, getting the 2020 COVID waiver, and redshirting in 2019 - Dunnigan hit the transfer portal and ended up at Michigan State in 2024. It was a big move but the 6-foot-4, 265-pound Tennessee native showed signs last season that his elevation to a higher brand of competitive football was not a mistake. After earning second team All-Conference USA honors as a member of the Blue Raiders in 2023, Dunnigan came to East Lansing last season and contributed off the bench. Going into year two as a Spartan, he is showing an increased physical and mental aptitude for the task of Big Ten football. “When I first came in, I really didn't know what to expect. I came from MTSU, to just a different level of football, honestly,’’ he said. “But I kind of got an idea now and I do feel more comfortable, for sure. Another year with the guys and with the coaching staff.’’ That knowledge carried over to the off-season. Defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa raved about the gains his linemen have made during winter workouts.  “And it starts with one with Q Dunnigan,” Suiaunoa said. “He's moving as well as I've ever seen him move. I just think, over the course of a year and obviously being together, working with our with our strength and conditioning staff, he's just one of the examples.” (MORE INSIDE)