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Michigan State Football: Predicting depth chart following spring game

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) gestures to the sidelines during the 1st quarter of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) gestures to the sidelines during the 1st quarter of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End

Projected Starter: Evan Jones, Senior

Like many players on Michigan State’s roster, Evan Jones has switched positions during his career in East Lansing to help the team and to give him the best chance of seeing the field. The former tight end played sparingly in 13 games last year, tallying seven tackles, but with three departing starters, he could finally see the field as the No. 1 end.

Projected Starter: Demetrius Cooper, Junior

A lot of excitement surrounds Demetrius Cooper. The junior defensive end is somewhat comparable to Shilique Calhoun in body stature, but if he plays anything like his predecessor, the Spartans will be in good shape. He finished the 2015 season with 22 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks — ranking second on the team. He’s in for a big season.

Rotation: Robert Bowers, Sophomore

Robert Bowers is one of those underrated defensive linemen that could see the field prominently in 2016 and make a name for himself. He’s a former scout defensive player of the week and his 6-foot-4, 256-pound body could make him a nightmare for opponents. Give him some reps and watch him grow.

Rotation: Justice Alexander, Freshman (RS)

A low-rated three-star defensive end according to many recruiting services, Justice Alexander fit the Michigan State mold heading into the 2015 class. He redshirted and looks to see the field for the first time in 2016. This is a kid who I could see breaking out and helping tremendously with depth, but he needs to learn how to use his 6-foot-5, 246-pound frame to his advantage.

Rotation: Josh King, Freshman

Man, if there’s one true freshman defensive lineman who could start right away, it has to be four-star strong-side defensive end Josh King. The Army All-American looks the part of a collegiate end and was an all-state high school wrestler so he’s no stranger to using brute force to overpower opponents. Watch out for him to make a push for serious action.

Reserves: Dillon Alexander (So.), Mufi Hunt (Fr.), Auston Robertson (Fr.)

I could see Mufi Hunt and Auston Robertson potentially starting the season with an intent to redshirt, but because of the departure of Montez Sweat at defensive end, both could be forced into action. Hunt wasn’t expected to join MSU until next year, but he’s here a year early and Robertson is one of the top defensive end recruits in the nation. Dillon Alexander is a walk-on defensive end who might find himself buried on the depth chart.

Next: Defensive Tackle

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