Michigan State Football: Top 50 players of all time

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

29. Shilique Calhoun

It has been an absolute treat watching Shilique Calhoun perform for Michigan State over the past 3-4 seasons. Calhoun played very sparingly as a redshirt freshman in 2012, but his real breakout year, just like Connor Cook, was the 2013 season in which he was known for his defensive touchdowns — an interceptions return and a couple of fumble returns for scores.

Calhoun was the offense for MSU early in 2013 when it looked like Andrew Maxwell would drive the actual offense into the ground. When Connor Cook took over, the team didn’t need Shilique to do as much, but his 37 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three defensive touchdowns put him on the map as he also helped lead MSU to the Rose Bowl.

Many experts were calling Calhoun a lock to be a top-10 draft pick the following season, but it was considered “disappointing” despite earning first-team All-Big Ten honors for the second straight season after recording 39 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks. It was mostly because of the double-teams by offenses that plateaued his numbers.

Currently in his senior season and attempting to lead the Spartans to their first national title since 1966, Calhoun is having his best year yet with 45 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He now ranks fourth all-time in tackles for loss (43.5) and second in sacks (27.0).

Next: 28. Flozell Adams