EAST LANSING— Michigan State defensive end Drew Beesley announced Sunday that he will return for the 2021-22 season, courtesy of the COVID-19 blanket waiver that the NCAA passed in August.

Grateful to wear the green and white… for one more season! 2021 loading… #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/n519eMAjNr

— Drew Beesley (@drew_beesley85) December 27, 2020

Beesley was one of the most consistent pass-rushers for the Spartans this season, finishing with three sacks, tying Michael Fletcher for the team lead. He started in all seven games and managed to accumulate 27 tackles, three pass deflections and one forced fumble.

Beesley was a two-star recruit out of Warren, Michigan. He joined the Spartans in 2016 as a walk-on but quickly carved out a role as a rotation player because of his exceptional pass-rushing ability. 

Beesley chose to walk on at MSU despite holding offers from Central Michigan, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Syracuse, Bowling Green, Air Force, Army, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Saginaw Valley State and Western Michigan. 

Beesley has played in 33 career games at MSU. He has amassed 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

The return of Beesley gives coach Mel Tucker another piece in what is quickly becoming a deep defensive line. Beesley, along with Jacub Panasiuk, transfer Drew Jordan, Jack Camper and Fletcher, will combine to anchor a defensive front that is also returning experienced defensive tackles Jacob Slade, Dashaun Mallory and Jaylen Hunt.