Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be chosen in 2016 NFL Draft

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Joel Heath (92) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during the second half in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After a tough redshirt freshman season in 2012 in which he saw action in all 13 games but record just six tackles, it seemed like the rest of Shilique Calhoun’s career would be an uphill climb.

However, that hasn’t been the case as he broke out during his sophomore campaign and quickly rose in the ranks, becoming one of the best players in the Big Ten as well as the nation. Not many people foresaw his meteoric rise, but it happened when he recorded more touchdowns on defense than the offense had in the first few games of the 2013 campaign.

While the offense started to pick up, so did he, finishing his sophomore year with 37 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles, recovered four loose balls and intercepted a pass, returning it 56 yards for a score.

That set up the huge target he had on his back for his junior season last year as he recorded 39 total tackles, eight sacks for 91 yards and 12.5 tackles for loss accounting for 109 yards.

Calhoun was thought to be a possible top-15 pick in this year’s draft but decided to give it one more go-around in East Lansing this year, hoping to improve his stock and bring MSU its first national title since the 1960s.

With Calhoun coming back this season, those things look very possible as does his chance to cement himself among the best to ever play defensive end in MSU history.

I don’t see him falling past the first round, but if he does, some team will get a huge steal.

Next: 3. Jack Conklin, OT