Michigan State Football: Next man up at every position

Nov 22, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) stands on the field between plays during the1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Montez Sweat came to campus as an under-recruited three-star defensive end from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and, in case you don’t know this by now, a couple of underrated Georgia-natives have become NFL draft picks under Mark Dantonio — just ask Darqueze Dennard and Keith Mumphery.

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Sitting behind potential first-round pick Shilique Calhoun at the defensive end position, Sweat has been regarded as a standout player in his first two seasons with the program.

The redshirt freshman will earn some playing time this season as Calhoun will need a rest every so often after getting double-teamed by offensive lines every week. Sweat will come in and surprise some people with his athleticism and 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame.

Sweat has the height to really give him an advantage at the defensive end position and he is learning behind one of the best defensive linemen in the nation.

Although the ‘Fearsome Foursome’ is coming in with the 2016 recruiting class next season, Sweat will already have solidified a starting job as Calhoun leaves for the NFL, becoming the next man up at that position. Josh King and Auston Robertson will push him for time next season, though.

Next: Star linebacker