Ben Roberts’ progress has led to him taking a leadership and mentor role
Ben Roberts’ progress, and the culture being built at MSU has led him into a leadership and mentorship role.
Despite three losses through five games for the Michigan State football program, defensive tackle Ben Roberts has found individual success in his performance.
Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has alluded to Roberts performing at an All-Big Ten level, but that means nothing to the 6-foot-3 senior if the team continues to lose games.
"Obviously, it feels great, right? But no, we're not winning right now, so that's out the window," Roberts said. "For me, I'm just focused on winning."
Good preparation ahead of game day has helped Roberts play his best this season. Finding ways to improve his technique and detail, while also continuing to lead the defensive tackle room, has given him a boost, powered by the coaching staff's intentionality with his progression.
"My coaches have done a great job of putting so much time into my process," Roberts said. "Then also myself, right? And then my teammates do a great job of helping me. I'm locked in in what I'm trying to do, and I want to bring this program back on top where it belongs, and it's going to require the whole D-line to be at our best."
Defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III has been at the helm of Roberts' progression this season, as a football player and as a man.
"I've learned a lot from him," Roberts said. "I've learned stuff outside of football and kind of applied it to football. He's big on life and everything like that, but just being able to be fundamentally detailed with everything we do. Outside of football, always staying on top of our stuff, and then just like wanting it. Wanting it more than everybody else."
Being part of last year's team and its losing record has led Roberts to step into a leadership role.
