Cam Stodghill: Michigan State Defense Builds Brotherhood Through Adversity
The brotherhood MSU defense created has helped it push through adverse times.
A brotherhood may be hard to come by in college football these days. More than half of teams’ rosters are turning over, coaches are departing, and money is driving decisions. Yet the Michigan State football team has still found a way to create one.
The Spartans’ defense has faced its share of adversity this season. Injuries have left MSU possibly starting two true freshmen at cornerback.
But the brotherhood the defense has built has helped it push through. MSU entered last week’s game against Illinois in a turnover drought, and when safety Devin Vaught intercepted a pass, that brotherhood was on full display.
Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi has emphasized celebrating with one another and building togetherness.
“If you’re going through some adversity, and you handle it on your own, it’s hard, right?” Rossi said. “When there’s adversity and you share the burden between other people, it’s much easier because you know you’re not in it alone.”
That philosophy applies to more than adversity. The fruits of the brotherhood show most in celebration.
“There’s always going to be highs and lows, and there’s going to be rough spots, and there’s going to be challenges,” Rossi said. “I think just sharing it together was kind of the point. But that’s also the wins, and that’s also the big plays and those high moments in the game. Just go celebrate with each other.”
Linebacker Cam Stodghill has benefited immensely from the defensive brotherhood. A transfer from the University at Albany, Stodghill knew nobody on the team or staff before arriving in East Lansing.
When Albany’s coach parted ways with the program, Stodghill decided it was time for him to do the same. Once co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Max Bullough called on MSU’s behalf, Stodghill knew it was the right fit.
