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Michigan State Football: 7 players who’ll earn 1st-team All-Big Ten honors

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrates fumble recovery against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) celebrates fumble recovery against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs for yards after the catch during the 1st quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs for yards after the catch during the 1st quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Two straight years of having a Spartan win the Big Ten Receiver of the Year may just turn into three with the emergence of R.J. Shelton. The Wisconsin-native is gearing up for a bigger role in his senior season with the departure of Aaron Burbridge.

Burbridge recorded over 1,200 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 85 receptions in 2015, winning the conference’s receiver of the year award. He followed the footsteps of Tony Lippett before him and now it’s Shelton’s turn to do the same.

Shelton had a decent freshman campaign as a fifth or sixth receiver, recording four catches for six yards and rushing for 153 yards and two scores — mainly on jet sweeps. He was also a major factor in the return game, but that role was not as prominent over the past season.

Dantonio knows what kind of talent he has coming in with the 2016 freshman class, but he also knows that the Spartans have a strong senior leader in Shelton.

As a sophomore, he upped his production with 16 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns. During his junior campaign, he nearly tripled his career-highs, catching 43 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns.

Just wait on it because 2016 could be a huge season for Shelton.

Next: 3. Brian Allen

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