Michigan State spring game: 5 things we learned

Nov 22, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) stands on the field between plays during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Shilique Calhoun is ready

Shilique Calhoun is once again showing why he’s one of, if not the most talented defensive linemen in the nation. Due to Calhoun being a senior he was not a part of the spring game draft, but there is no doubt he would have been picked number one overall.

Calhoun was a menace all over the field Saturday, recording 2.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, which would have been 4 sacks if the quarterbacks were live. Essentially, the QB’s can be hit, but once they are about to be hit the play is ruled dead and the defensive player does not always get the credit for ending the play.

According to Mike Wilson of 247 sports, Linebackers coach Mark Snyder was stated as saying, “Shilique was unblockable. It should be like that.”

That quote should not be taken lightly as Calhoun was going up against a veteran line, and one of the best lines in the Big Ten, if not the entire country. Regardless of whether it was Machado or Beedle blocking him, they could not stop Shilique from penetrating the line.

Uncredited, Shilique forced numerous errant passes from Cook which played a major factor in Cook’s 50 percent completion rate. Calhoun’s dominance on each game cannot be recorded in statistics.

If Calhoun can play this well against his fellow Spartans imagine what he will do against other big ten teams. Do not be surprised when Shilique is a consensus first-team All-American and a top-ten pick in next years draft.

Next: 3. The return of the 'No Fly Zone'