Versatile LB Jacoby Windmon embracing new challenges after transfer to Michigan State

Michigan State's 2022 spring football practice

Jacoby Windmon runs to the end zone during Michigan State University’s spring football practice at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, April 16, 2022 (Jenifer Veloso | MLive.com)Jenifer Veloso

EAST LANSING – Jacoby Windmon had a standout junior season at UNLV last year.

The linebacker posted career-best numbers while leading the Rebels in tackles and sacks and earned all-conference recognition. It was an impressive accomplishment for a player who was lightly recruited coming out of high school in Louisiana but Windmon aspired for more. So, he entered the portal and transferred to Michigan State.

“The whole reason of me transferring just was a better opportunity for me and my future,” Windmon said on Thursday after fall camp practice. “I just wanted to be around more guys that had the same passion for the game and more guys that wanted to get better and just be coached by a different coach that could probably teach me more and get me ready for the next level. I think it was a great decision for me and I still feel confident about it. No regrets.”

Previous connection with Mel Tucker helped lead grad transfer LB Aaron Brule to Michigan State

Windmon entered the portal in November after UNLV finished the season 2-10, going 6-24 combined over his three years with the program. He committed to the Spartans in December – less than a week after visiting East Lansing – and signed later that month with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“Tough, physical, leader, a high football IQ,” coach Mel Tucker said at the time. “He’s extremely explosive. He’s an immediate impact type player.”

Windmon, 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, took an interesting path to get to this point. While playing a variety of positions – mostly on offense at John Ehret High School, just south of New Orleans – he was ranked as a low three-star prospect outside the top 2,000 recruits in his class. He arrived at UNLV in 2019 as an early enrollee expected to be a tight end/fullback but moved to defensive end and appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman.

As a sophomore, Windmon moved to outside linebacker and posted 39 tackles, including 6.5 for a loss, five sacks and a forced fumble while starting all six games. He moved to middle linebacker last year and had 118 stops, including 11 for a loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles. Windmon ranked 13th in the nation in tackles per game and was a second team All-Mountain West selection.

“I would describe myself as like a tone-setter, someone who leads by example,” Windmon said. “I can lead vocally, a field general, a leader, an all-around ballhawk. Just being around the ball, keeping everybody’s spirits up, letting everybody know the situation, just making sure we’re all on the same page.”

Michigan State’s goal is to be ‘hardest playing defense in America’

Windmon joined the Spartans in January and quickly took over a leadership role. He was one of two offseason linebacker transfer additions – along with Mississippi State’s Aaron Brule – and the position group is now deeper and more versatile than a year ago. Although Quavaris Crouch left for the portal, Cal Haladay returns after being named a Freshman All-American last year. Ben VanSumeren and Ma’a Gaoteote were part of the playing rotation while Darius Snow, who started at nickelback and safety last season, moved to linebacker in the spring.

“I think it’s great to have a bunch of guys that can be able to do the same thing because when it’s fourth quarter or we go overtime, we’re going to need them fresh legs,” Windmon said. “We’re going to need those guys that can step in there, be able to play full speed against the offense.”

Michigan State runs a 4-2-5 defense but is planning on using a third linebacker at times as an edge rusher. That look was shown during the spring game and Windmon made an impact by recording a sack and returning a fumble for a touchdown.

Windmon said he is still learning to play defensive end in the scheme but is comfortable at linebacker. Helping improve Michigan State’s pass rush is a focus and he’s working with a familiar face. Brandon Jordan, who Tucker hired in January as the team’s pass rush specialist, was Windmon’s defensive line coach at John Ehret High School.

“Honestly, he’s the same guy since high school,” Windmon said of Jordan. “He was always that quiet coach but when it’s time to work, he gets active. That’s something I love about him because he brings that same energy every day. When I got the news he was coming here too, I was just excited about that because I knew every day I’m going to still get that same excitement from him, that same grind.”

Windmon was a highly-productive player at UNLV and is still adjusting to a new school. The move to Michigan State and the Big Ten means more attention and better competition and that’s a challenge he welcomes.

“It’s a bigger stage but it was something I signed up for,” Windmon said. “I still feel pretty confident about my decision. I’m just excited for the season. I’m ready to get after it.”


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