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Michigan State Football: Jacub Panasiuk will be spark at defensive end

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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With 96 days until Michigan State football kicks off its 2018 season, we take a look at No. 96, Jacub Panasiuk, who could be a spark on the defensive line.

One season through his college career, Jacub Panasiuk already has a taste of consistent playing time. Appearing in eight games as a true freshman, the younger brother of defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk made an impact on the Spartans in his first season with the team.

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This came as a surprise to some who believed Lashawn Paulino-Bell was the defensive end gem of the class, but he never saw the field at Spartan Stadium because of a jet-skiing accident which forced him to redshirt as he was recovering from injuries and he since decided to transfer from the program. Panasiuk became an instant contributor and finished the season with 17 tackles, 2.5 for loss and a sack.

All that while playing alongside his older brother.

Demetrius Cooper and Kenny Willekes started at defensive end for the Spartans but Panasiuk joined the rotation and sparked the position. Willekes was the true breakout star of 2017, but Panasiuk has an opportunity to be just that in 2018.

The 6-3, 266-pound sophomore from Roselle, Ill., has a quick first step and can be a menace to opposing offensive linemen. He’s not the strongest lineman in the world, that may go to his brother who was a star at Nike’s The Opening in his recruiting days, but he’s strong enough to push the line of scrimmage and quick enough to get the edge.

Michigan State is looking for depth pieces along that defensive line in 2018 and while Panasiuk may end up being a starter, he could see the field enough to where depth wouldn’t be a concern.

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Look for the sophomore defensive end to form a deadly duo with Willekes on the outside and a strong unit up front next to his brother and Raequan Williams. That’s a line that opponents won’t want to face.

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