Michigan State Football: All-time Spartan team

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) stands on the field during the 1st quarter of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Lineman(3): Shilique Calhoun

This is one that might be debated a bit. With guys like Robaire Smith and Jerel Worthy still yet to be named, why would I pick a guy like Shilique Calhoun? My answer: why not?

Calhoun has proven to be one of the best defensive ends in Michigan State history, climbing up the sack leaderboards, recently passing Julian Peterson as Shilique recorded his 26th and 27th career QB sacks against Iowa in the Big Ten title game.

As a high school recruit, Shilique was lightly scouted and the Spartans got a steal when they decided to offer the Middletown, N.J., native who was looked at as a low three-star prospect. Mark Dantonio believed he could make him great and he did just that, molding Calhoun to his likeness.

The fifth-year senior defensive end has helped lead Michigan State to some of its most successful seasons ever, including a 13-win Rose Bowl season in 2013, an 11-win Cotton Bowl season in 2014, a College Football Playoff appearance and current 12-1 record in 2015 and two Big Ten titles — in 2013 and 2015.

During his time in East Lansing, Calhoun has become the school’s second all-time sack leader, he has recorded 43.5 tackles for loss (4th all-time and just 4.5 away from No. 1) and 127 career tackles. Don’t forget his interception returned for a touchdown and fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns as a sophomore.

If all goes as planned, Calhoun will be a first or second round draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and put together a solid professional career.

Next: Linebacker(1)