Sometimes the most impactful transfers don’t come from other Power Four schools, but rather from smaller programs in the Group of Five, FCS, or even Division II and III. Michigan State football added one of those under-the-radar talents.
Following the earlier commitment of Texas Tech transfer Isaac Smith this week, head coach Jonathan Smith made some roster adjustments and then bolstered the defensive line with another addition. Hope College defensive lineman announced his commitment to the Spartans.
He appeared in 12 games for Hope College last season as a freshman, posting 43 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks, which earned him All-MIAA first-team honors.
Of course, the level of competition at Hope — a Division III school — is much lower, so it’s unrealistic to expect that same production to immediately carry over to Michigan State. At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Lamancusa isn’t an imposing physical presence, but if he puts in the work and climbs the depth chart, he has the potential to become a real problem for Big Ten offenses in the coming years.
A local product from Rockford High School and Comstock Park, Michigan, Lamancusa likely grew up following the Spartans, making his decision to transfer an easy fit. Michigan State is in need of defensive line reinforcements after losing James Schott to the transfer portal and Khris Bogle to the NFL Draft, and Lamancusa helps address that.
Whether he makes an immediate impact remains to be seen, but Michigan State may have just uncovered a hidden gem.