Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be All-Big Ten performers in 2017

With lower expectations than normal, Michigan State football is out to prove doubters wrong, especially with these potential All-Big Ten performers.

The 2017 season is still a little over three months away, but the summer is when teams really start to focus on who will be topping their depth charts. For Michigan State, the depth chart is in limbo, waiting on the sexual assault case and impending suspensions.

Although it’s not exactly the situation Mark Dantonio wishes he was in, the head coach does have plenty of talent returning to the roster regardless for 2017. Michigan State is coming off a 3-9 season so the expectations are lower than normal, but with the All-Big Ten caliber players on the roster, anything less than 6-7 wins would be a major disappointment.

Let’s take a look at the five guys who have the best shot at being named to an All-Big Ten team this season.

Honorable Mention

On the offensive side of the ball, don’t be surprised to see guys like Donnie Corley, Trishton Jackson, Luke Campbell or Cole Chewins make a run at an All-Big Ten selection in 2017. The Spartans have some solid pieces on offense and it’s just a matter of time before these young guys break out.

Defensively, Andrew Dowell, Josiah Scott and Mike Panasiuk are candidates, but my top spot for honorable mention has to be Justin Layne. The former four-star receiver has transitioned to a talented cornerback and he’s playing well enough to be considered as a favorite to start.

Moreover, Layne could also play the offensive side of the ball in 2017, showing some versatility as a two-way threat. Oh yeah, and he was a decent return man at the high school level, giving the coaching staff three uses for the soon-to-be sophomore.

Keep an eye on Layne as he’s my dark-horse favorite to be named to an All-Big Ten team in 2017.