Michigan State Football: Top 5 position battles to watch this fall

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 05: Jaylen Dunlap #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini and Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for the ball in the end zone during the game at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 31-27. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Defensive End

Michigan State desperately needs to figure out its defensive line. Without Malik McDowell as well as guys like Josh King and Auston Robertson (both booted for sexual assault charges), the defensive end position is looking slimmed out. While McDowell was more of a tackle last season, he had the ability to play end as well.

King and Robertson had bright futures, but that conversation is for a different day.

Demetrius Cooper is another guy who has been in trouble off the field, but he’s currently in step two of the process of earning his way back onto the team. Dantonio talked about that at media days and it seems as if Cooper is working hard to be a Spartan this fall and they will need him at defensive end.

Mentioned on the tight end slide was Jack Camper, a freshman who converted from the offensive side of the ball and who can play some defensive end. Other young guys who can compete in year one are Jacub Panasiuk, Lashawn Paulino-Bell and DeAri Todd.

Cassius Peat was told not to report, which leaves the door wide open at end. One major name to watch is Brandon Randle, who just converted from linebacker. He could be the athlete that the position needs.

Kenny Willekes, Dillon Alexander, Justice Alexander and Robert Bowers are all names to keep an eye on as well.

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