Michigan State DT Jacob Slade declares for 2023 NFL Draft
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State defensive tackle Jacob Slade, who earned an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection from the coaches and media this year, announced on Saturday that he will forgo his remaining year of eligibility and enter the 2023 NFL Draft.
Slade was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA following the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. But the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Lewis Center, Ohio, native is opting out of a return to school.
“Thank you for helping me create countless memories here at Michigan State,” Slade said in a statement released on Twitter. “Deciding to play for Michigan State has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and I will be forever grateful for that opportunity.”
The redshirt senior started in the Spartans’ first two games of the season against Western Michigan and Akron, but was out for the next four games due to a right leg injury. Michigan State lost all four of those games.
Slade returned for Michigan State’s 34-28 double-overtime win over Wisconsin on Oct. 15 and played the rest of the season. Slade logged 20 total tackles (3.5 for a loss) and 0.5 sacks in eight games.
In 42 games (26 starts) over his five-season career at Michigan State, Slade totaled 88 tackles (11.5 for a loss), four sacks, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.
Top 10
- 1New
Notre Dame DC search
New name emerges
- 2Hot
South Carolina suspension
Flau'Jae Johnson incident results in punishment
- 3
AP Poll Projection
Big shakeup coming to Top 25
- 4
Vanderbilt fined
SEC levies $500k fine
- 5
Jim Knowles
Ohio State DC is on the move
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
The blocked kick occurred this season against Rutgers. Slade blocked Jude McAtamney’s 39-yard field goal attempt with 9:17 left in the fourth quarter to help preserve Michigan State’s seven-point lead.
“Through my journey here, I have had the chance to play for some of the best coaches and staff in the nation and the relationships I have created among my teammates will last a lifetime,” Slade said. “I am thankful for all of you who made my time here so special.”
Slade is the sixth Spartan to enter the NFL Draft following Michigan State’s 35-16 loss to Penn State on Nov. 26. He joins wide receiver Jayden Reed, tight end Daniel Barker, safety Kendell Brooks, cornerback Ronald Williams II and linebacker Ben VanSumeren.
Like Slade, Reed and VanSumeren opted out of their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
