Michigan State Football: 5 position battles to watch ahead of 2018 season

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DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Giovanni Rescigno #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights as he gets pressure from linebacker Andrew Dowell #5 and defensive end Demetrius Cooper #98 of the Michigan State Spartans during a college football game at Spartan Stadium on November 12, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

1. Defensive End

Two seasons ago, Michigan State looked like a shell of itself on the defensive side of the ball, generating a total of 11 sacks for the season. It was one of several glaring concerns heading into last season, but the Spartans managed to rebound for 28 sacks despite the dismissals of two highly-recruited underclassmen, Josh King and Auston Robertson, and the transfer of an upperclassmen, Montez Sweat, who was expected to be a key contributor.

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While the bounce-back was a pleasant surprise, MSU still might need to take another step forward with its pass rush if it hopes to win trophies in 2018.

Former walk-on Kenny Willekes returns to hold down his starting spot, but the Spartans must identify a replacement for Demetrius Cooper on the other side of the line. Rising senior Robert Bowers has also decided to leave the program, leaving MSU with a mix of unproven players. Who will step up?

Senior Dillon Alexander started four games in 2017, but was not productive enough to keep his job. He’ll have an opportunity to prove himself again this off-season, however, and should be a key player in the defensive end unit even if he doesn’t win the starting role. Jacub Panasiuk showed flashes of his upside as a true freshman last year and fellow frosh Jack Camper and DeAri Todd generated a little buzz despite redshirting. Now a redshirt junior, Justice Alexander is another breakout candidate to watch out for.

Aside from this bunch, there’s a bit more mystery within the rest of the group. Redshirt sophomore Brandon Randle has moved back to linebacker, but is still a tantalizing pass-rushing prospect. Incoming freshmen Parks Gissinger, Jacob Slade and Zachary Slade, meanwhile, could all be instant-impact players, but face uphill climbs to avoid redshirts, as all three do not arrive until the summer.

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While the battle is only just getting started, the best bet is that one of the Alexanders, Panasiuk or Randle win the job. While it would be nice to see one player hold down the spot all season, it’s also possible that the guy playing the most at the end is not the same guy who started in week one. Consistency and reliability will be key.

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