Michigan State Football: Projected post-2018 spring game depth chart

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Mike Panasiuk, Raequan Williams
Backups: Naquan Jones, Gerald Owens

Breaking out on the defensive line isn’t easy to do at the collegiate level, but Mike Panasiuk has the skills and the body type to do just that. He’s been one of the stars of spring ball, according to Mike Tressel, and could be in for an expanded role in 2018. Raequan Williams has all the tools as well, finishing with 2.5 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss as a sophomore.

Naquan Jones didn’t dress but he played well in limited action in 2017 as a redshirt freshman. The former four-star recruit saw the field sparingly, but made the most of his opportunities, picking up 13 tackles and five for loss. Expect him to back up Panasiuk and Williams along with Gerald Owens who had 11 tackles and a sack last season.

Starting ends: Kenny Willekes, Jacub Panasiuk
Backups: Dillon Alexander, Justice Alexander

The attitude of Kenny Willekes is what will keep him atop the depth chart at defensive end. He doesn’t want to waste any days this spring and has been one of the more impressive breakout stars of the Mark Dantonio era. He finished third on the team with 72 tackles in 2017, adding 13 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Jacub Panasiuk, entering his sophomore year, looked strong in the spring game and may have locked up a starting job.

Justice Alexander has been part of the coaching staff’s continuous praise this offseason and he could take a Willekes-like leap in the fall. He could push Panasiuk for the starting job on the other side but he will also feel pressure from Dillon Alexander. We can also expect to see plenty of redshirt freshman DeAri Todd this year at end, or even tackle.