A New Chapter for Michigan State's Defense
Dion Crawford, a transfer from Buffalo, has been placed at No. 13 on Michigan State's list of the top thirty players expected to shape the upcoming season.
The NCAA's new '5-in-5' rule grants him an additional year of eligibility, allowing the senior to remain eligible through the 2027 campaign.
Coaches project Crawford to line up at the WILL linebacker spot alongside veteran Jordan Hall, forming a tandem that could anchor the Spartans' front seven.
Versatility as a Strategic Advantage
Crawford's collegiate résumé includes a standout sophomore season in which he recorded fifteen tackles for loss and eight and a half sacks, earning Third Team All‑MAC honors.
In his junior year he amassed eighty‑one tackles, ranking second on the Bulls, while maintaining a missed‑tackle rate below nine percent over the past two seasons.
Although his coverage metrics have fluctuated — PFF assigned him a grade of twenty‑eight point nine last year and seventy‑nine the year before — his overall versatility and experience remain valuable assets for the defense.
Recruiting profiles reveal that Crawford attracted Power Five interest from programs such as Florida State, Michigan and Arkansas, and he previously shared the field with future Heisman contender Travis Hunter at Collins Hill High School.
The Spartans hope his blend of pass‑rushing ability, tackling consistency and positional flexibility will bolster a unit seeking to rebound from recent setbacks.