Michigan State Football: Who’ll be named All-Big Ten first-team in 2018?

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his team after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his team after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a diving second half touchdown catch while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a diving second half touchdown catch while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Felton Davis, WR

Felton Davis III emerged as the primary receiver for the Spartans. He exploded for 55 catches, 776 yards, and nine touchdowns as a junior. He was the primary red-zone target and a key third-down option for Brian Lewerke. That role should only grow for Davis in 2018.

The Spartans lost Trishton Jackson and Hunter Rison via transfers to Syracuse and Kansas State, respectively. While some underclassmen and incoming freshmen look ready to challenge for playing time, none look to garner such a significant amount receptions that they’d cut down on the prominent roles of Davis, Cody White and Darrell Stewart Jr.

Look for Davis to be the main possession receiver of the bunch, capitalizing on this role and improving on the aforementioned stats of 2017.

In regards to a conference-wide outlook at the receiver position, Davis seems to be in a prime position to seize one of the two first-team wide out spots. Other receivers that are in the mix as of right now include Parris Campbell (Ohio State), Juwan Johnson (Penn State), Stanley Morgan (Nebraska), and Tarik Black (Michigan).

Davis’ production and talent-level compares favorably to the competition and Athlon Sports even named Felton Davis as the front-runner for this honor.