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Michigan State Football: Mike Panasiuk poised for monster 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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After working hard and being dubbed the ‘MVP of spring’, Mike Panasiuk could be a driving force on Michigan State’s stellar defense in 2018.

Before the 2017 season, Michigan State looked as if it needed a miracle to rebound from a 3-9 campaign in 2016. However, the young Spartans exceeded expectations and became one of the best teams in the Big Ten, winning 10 games, including the Holiday Bowl.

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One of the presumed weaknesses heading into 2017 was the defensive line, but guys like Kenny Willekes, Jacub Panasiuk, Naquan Jones, Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk all stepped up.

The latter came to Michigan State as a four-star prospect in a loaded class, but has yet to really dominate in the way that the coaching staff believes he’s capable. That could all change in his junior year as the defensive tackle has been a star thus far in spring camp.

According to co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, Panasiuk has been the ‘MVP of the spring’ so far.

The 6-foot-4, 295-pound tackle from Illinois has the size and strength to be one of the nation’s best interior defensive linemen, along with Williams, but he hasn’t put it together for a full season just yet. This hard work during one of the most overlooked times of the year is refreshing news, especially since he has the potential to be an All-Big Ten player.

In 2017, he improved in almost every metric, recording 23 tackles and 3.0 for loss, but no sacks. In fact, he has just 0.5 sacks throughout his first two years at Michigan State.

Next: MSU Basketball: Final player grades for 2017-18 season

Keep an eye on Panasiuk, along with his younger brother, during the 2018 spring game as he could be one of those breakout stars who make Michigan State a national contender.

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