Michigan State Football: 10 storylines to follow ahead of 2018 season

10. Defensive line depth

What concerns many fans has to be the depth on that defensive line. This used to be the biggest strength of a Mark Dantonio-coached team, but with all the transfers in recent years, there’s nothing but inexperience up front, with a few exceptions.

You have guys like Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Mike Pansiuk who have locked down three starting spots on the line, but who will be there to pick up the slack when they’re not on the field?

Keep an eye on Naquan Jones, DeAri Todd, Jacub Panasiuk, Justice Alexander, Dashaun Mallory, Jack Camper, Parks Gissinger, Gerald Owens and even Mufi Hill-Hunt.

The pieces are there, but the guys listed above have little to no live game experience on the line. Rising names are Todd and Camper. The former was a scout team standout in 2017 as a true freshman, since redshirting, and the latter is a redshirt freshman and former tight end who made the switch.

Jones is entering his sophomore season with high expectations as it seemed like he dominated every time he got on the field last season. He’ll have Mallory, Owens and Hill-Hunt competing with him for time.

Jacub Panasiuk is a favorite to start at the other end spot but Alexander won’t be giving up that easily. 

Can the Spartans surpass their 28 sacks from 2017? The depth up front should be monitored all year long.