Michigan State Football: 5 biggest storylines after spring 2018

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive tackle Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans closes in on quarterback Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

4. Will defensive line have enough depth?

One of the main concerns following spring ball is the depth on the defensive line. The Spartans have quality talent up front, but outside of the starting group, there’s not much depth.

Michigan State returns Kenny Willekes at end and he will be starting alongside Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk. At the other end, though, there’s a battle between Jacub Panasiuk, DeAri Todd, Dillon Alexander and Justice Alexander. The three could also be battling it out with Jacob and Zach Slade in the fall as well as Parks Gissinger, all incoming freshmen who didn’t enroll early.

Naquan Jones and Gerald Owens will be strong pieces at tackle along with incoming freshman Dashaun Mallory. Will that be enough, though?

The pieces are there and not many teams have 7-8 quality players who could start on a number of Big Ten squads, but the Spartans have just that. It’s just a matter of which young guys can add depth and how quickly they can contribute.

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