Quindarius Dunnigan is embracing his Michigan State football captain role, leading with a strong voice

In his seventh year, and second with Michigan State, veteran defensive lineman Quindarius Dunnigan is embracing his new leadership role as captain. Dunnigan is excited about this honor, claiming it doesn’t have to do with transcendent stats or accolades, but rather the maturity he carries himself with that his teammates noticed. 

“It’s a big, big honor. Probably the greatest honor you can receive as a player because it reflects how everybody else sees you,” Dunnigan said. “I just appreciate it, man. I appreciate being put in this position. I appreciate my teammates seeing me as a leader, and I want to be that consistent guy for them, day in and day out. So I just pray to God that I’m able to do that.”

Dunnigan’s voice has been his biggest strength in earning him the honor of being captain. He believes it is a gift he has and something the team and coaching staff have entrusted him with to use wisely. 

“I believe that I was elected (as captain) because I do have a voice,” Dunnigan said. “I believe that’s a gift that God gave me, and I really demand the most out of my teammates. I just see potential, and I don’t want to leave any stone unturned. So, I want to be able to use the voice that I have, not be afraid if I see guys that can do better. I expect the same from them, holding me accountable the same way.” 

Dunnnigan’s leadership style and attitude are reflected in his willingness to hold his teammates to the standard of play he believes is attainable with this Spartan roster, while also holding himself accountable, acknowledging that every person on the team is there to improve.

Honesty and mutual respect are two key aspects of the way Dunnigan leads, as the team holds everyone to the same standards – even star players.

“Our motto is the star of the team is the team,” Dunnigan said. “We lean on that a lot. We don’t have a bunch of star players … as long as you have the right intent and guys understand that everybody wants to be better and wants to be the best versions of themselves, guys buy into that.”

Michigan State’s defensive line, under the leadership of Dunnigan, has grown into a deep unit on the roster and is expected to be a strength moving forward for the Spartans as they prepare for the first kickoff of the season this Friday against Western Michigan. 

“We’ve got a deep d-line,” Dunnigan said. “I think everybody could play, you know, I think that’s really a bonus that we have. We can kind of one-up the competition. You’re not going to see a big difference between our ones and our twos. Anybody could have a starting job.”

Notably, Dunnigan highlights freshman defensive lineman Derrick Simmons, who he believes will be an asset to the roster with his mature knowledge of the game and maturity. 

“I think Derrick Simmons is going to be really good,” Dunnigan said. “He showed a lot of growth; he looks like a veteran already, as far as he’s able to move and how he understands the game. I think he’s going to be really good in his coming years.”

Michigan State’s defense has undergone adjustments since this previous season, and Dunigan notes that there is a shift in the overall comfort and energy of players in recent practices. He claims it is a noticeable change that gives the team a good handle on what can improve each week. 

“Guys are more comfortable,” Dunnigan said. “The game plan is more sound, practice is more energy-based. It’s not ‘I’m not trying to mess up.’ Now, we’re just out there playing football, and it feels comfortable. I feel like guys are playing more freely.”

That comfort level on the field has translated to a sense of comfort among players as they have improved their connection as a team, as well as their communication.  

“I think being vocal is the biggest thing,” Dunnigan said. “I mean, we didn’t really know each other as much coming in last year. I think guys know each other’s backgrounds, knowing how they talk, and everything like that. I think that is a big advantage as far as understanding what a person says and how they say it, and not being afraid to speak up. You know, I think that’s a big step from last year.”

If one thing is clear about Dunnigan, it’s that his leadership style runs on being vocal, telling players what they can improve on and on refining communication through unity and connection of players. 

“We want guys to move as a pack and grow exponentially together,” Dunnigan said. “And that’s really what it’s like.”