7/13/2018 football Edit

Montez Sweat makes NFL.com's Top 11 CFB defensive linemen

Clint Lamb • BulldogBlitz

Staff Writer

Montez Sweat's path to Starkville wasn't typical. The Stone Mountain (Ga.) native was originally a two-star prospect at tight end who chose to attend Michigan State back in 2014, but he surprisingly left after one season with the team.

From there, Sweat ended up as a three-star pass rusher on the JUCO level after posting 39 tackles and five sacks for Copiah-Lincoln C.C. in 2016. Despite his success, he didn't have many options as far as his next move.

Mississippi State was one of those few options -- an unexpected stroke of luck for both parties.

During his first year on campus, Sweat dominated opposing SEC offenses. He tied Texas A&M's Landis Durham for the conference lead in sacks with 10.5 while also collecting 48 tackles (15.5 of them for a loss).

That success has led to a lot of attention for the 6-foot-6, 245-pound edge player. According to NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Sweat is one of college football's Top 11 defensive linemen to keep an eye on in 2018.

Here's what Zierlein had to say about the Mississippi State product:

"After beginning his college career at Michigan State and then spending a year at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (in Wesson, Mississippi), Sweat transferred to Mississippi State where he excelled in the SEC as a first-time starter. Sweat is a lanky defensive end with long arms and a thin lower body. Despite lacking desired play strength, Sweat recorded 15.5 tackles for loss last season, including 10.5 sacks in the final nine games. He can rush with extremely long strides that allow him to close out quarterbacks much more quickly than expected. He also uses those strides and arm length to ensnare ball carriers way out on the perimeter. Sweat can be locked up by power, so it will be important for him to improve his upper- and lower-body strength to counter the power he'll face at the next level."

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Sweat being recognized for his talent isn't all that surprising to anyone who covers or follows the Mississippi State football program closely. He's got the perfect combination of length and burst to be an effective pass rusher on the next level.

What is surprising is who didn't make Zierlein's list -- defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. He also had an outstanding season for the Bulldogs, racking up 60 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five sacks.

We'll just assume that Zierlein had him at No. 12 (which is still too low) and move on. Either way, this Mississippi State defensive line is going to be fun to watch in 2018.