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

By Justin Thind

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: Juwan Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can’t make a second half catch next to Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24.(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Juwan Johnson #84 of the Penn State Nittany Lions can’t make a second half catch next to Justin Layne #2 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24.(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Just missed the cut

Justin Layne, CB

Many might argue that since Josiah Scott is listed as a first-team projection, Justin Layne deserves to be there with him, too. Those people would not be wrong. Both Scott and Layne compare well against each other when looking at early production, talent, and potential. It all came down to this though: It’s unlikely that both MSU cornerbacks end up being named to the first-team even if both deserve it.

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In 2017, Scott already had slightly better stats than Layne. He had one more interception, one more fumble recovery, more tackles and more pass breakups than Layne. Furthermore, if you’re of the popular opinion that a college athlete makes his biggest jump between his first and second season with a program, Scott might top Layne in these statistical categories once again.

So while Scott may be more than deserving of being projected as a first-teamer in this article, it almost seems inevitable that a player from one of the other big-name programs get the nod for variance-sake.

Besides, we’ve seen that happen to MSU time and time again. Some of these other players to look out for, as mentioned earlier, include Lavert Hill (Michigan), David Long (Michigan), Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State), Amani Oruwariye (Penn State), John Reid (Penn State) and Montre Hartage (Northwestern).

David Dowell, S

Once he started seeing the field consistently, David Dowell was a turnover-machine for the Spartans in 2017. This year, he would need to have a similar season if he wants to unseat preseason favorites Dacota Dixon (Wisconsin) and Jordan Fuller (Ohio State) to be named a first-team safety. It’s doable, but his level of production would need to be very high.

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Kenny Willekes, DE

Every Spartan fan knows the story of Kenny Willekes. He went from being a walk-on to a stud defensive end that looks primed to have a monster year in 2018. The problem is, Rashan Gary and Nick Bosa also play defensive end in the Big Ten. Both of those guys are being projected as top-10 picks in the 2019 NFL Draft and are the preseason favorites for the two end spots. Willekes might have to lead the nation in sacks, or accomplish another feat of similar magnitude, to get this honor over one of those two players. Penn State’s Shareef Miller also looks to be a key challenger.

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