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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 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores a on an interception return during the second half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) scores a on an interception return during the second half of a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle

Projected Starter: Malik McDowell, Junior

As one of the top junior NFL Draft prospects in the nation, Malik McDowell is a lock to start at either defensive tackle of defensive end in 2016. He came out of high school as a five-star defensive end, but moved to tackle in order to see the field prominently right away. He will be the star of this defense and returns following a sophomore year in which he recorded 41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Projected Starter: Raequan Williams, Freshman (RS)

I’m making a bold prediction with this one. Raequan Williams will be the main replacement for Craig Evans, starting over Damon Knox. OK, I have Williams as the current starter over Knox only because he hasn’t been cleared for his sixth year, but I truly believe he could win the job outright this fall. Williams has the big body and the redshirt freshman is drawing high praise from his teammates.

Rotation: Damon Knox, Senior (6th year)

Damon Knox is waiting for the go-ahead on his sixth-year of eligibility from the NCAA, which is expected. He is the veteran of the unit and the young guys will be looking up to him as a leader. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, he’s going to see the field a lot.

Rotation: Cassius Peat, Freshman (RS)

The redshirt freshman came in as a linebacker prospect out of high school in Arizona and looks to make an impression at defensive tackle. He’s added some size to his 6-foot-3 frame and weighs in at about 270 pounds. He brings an athletic element to the tackle position.

Rotation: Gerald Owens, Sophomore

Gerald Owens might not be a fullback anymore, coming in as the top prep fullback in 2014, but he is using that strength to push for playing time on the defensive line. Owens could see some action this year for the first time in his career, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 298 pounds.

Rotation: Kyonta Stallworth, Freshman (RS)

The former Detroit King standout was an offensive guard prospect in high school, but has made the position change, like many, to transition to the defensive line. Depending on how far along his progress is, he might not see much time in 2016, but could surprise some people.

Reserves: Enoch Smith Jr. (So.), Naquan Jones (Fr.), Mike Panasiuk (Fr.), Kenny Willekes (Fr.-RS)

Enoch Smith Jr. might be more of an in-the-rotation type of tackle while I can see Naquan Jones and Mike Panasiuk redshirting. Both are highly-rated four-stars from Illinois. Kenny Willekes is a former linebacker walk-on who made the position change to defensive line this spring.

Next: 'Star' Linebacker

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