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Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be All-Big Ten performers in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs the ball for a touchdown against Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Raequan Williams (99) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs the ball for a touchdown against Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Raequan Williams (99) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

As a redshirt freshman in 2016, Raequan Williams had some high hopes for himself. Heck, the rest of Spartan Nation also believed he would be a top defensive lineman after the coaching staff and fellow players raved about him in the spring and fall.

The second-year defensive tackle finished with 28 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble while missing two games. He played fairly well on a defensive line that was, in summation, awful in 2016. The Spartans failed to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season and finished with a lackluster amount of sacks and tackles for loss — compared to the norm.

Williams is returning as a second-year starter and he’s been in the system for three years. He’s going to be looked up to as a leader on the defensive line and the young guys will rely on him for advice and leading by example.

Although he might be the main piece on the defensive line, there are others that can help take the pressure off him. Luckily, there won’t be many double-teams early on, allowing Williams to get off to a fantastic start to the season and he will break his career-high in sacks within the first month.

Expect a big season from the sophomore defensive tackle.

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