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Michigan State Football: Raequan Williams will be nightmare for opponents in 2018

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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) /
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Michigan State football is 99 days away from kicking off its 2018 season, so what better way to celebrate than with a preview at No. 99, Raequan Williams.

Sitting just 99 days away from the start of the 2018 season, Michigan State has sky-high expectations. The Spartans are coming off a 10-3 season and many experts believe that they are the second-best team in the Big Ten East behind Ohio State.

Must Read: MSU Football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions

For the Spartans to reach their potential, they’re going to have to rely heavily on the growth of their defensive line, particularly in the middle. That’s where junior, and No. 99, Raequan Williams comes into play.

Through two years with the Spartans, the 6-4, 300-pound defensive tackle has showcased potential, recording 59 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He improved in every statistical category from his redshirt freshman to sophomore campaigns, which is a good sign for his junior season.

With potential through the roof and the frame, and strength, to dominate opponents, Williams could be a nightmare for the rest of the Big Ten in 2018.

Michigan State has a depth issue up front, but if Williams can play like he’s capable, he will form one of the most dominant tackle duos in the country with Mike Panasiuk. Not many opposing linemen like to match up with defensive linemen who are just as big, or bigger, than themselves.

Having an equally as effective tackle next to him, Williams will avoid too many double-teams and have the best season of his career. We could be looking at the next Spartan defensive lineman to approach the 10-sack mark for a single season. The NFL will surely be calling following his junior season, so enjoy Williams in the green and white. while you still can.

Next: MSU football's top 2019 NFL draft prospects

Keep it tuned in here as we preview each player, numerically, from No. 99 to No. 2, until the start of the 2018 season. Williams got things started and we will end with Justin Layne in August.

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