Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2018

2 of 7

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) /

Defensive Line

The defensive line doesn’t have much experience, but the young depth is something that should excite the coaching staff. We could see some true freshmen seeing some early playing time and the starting unit is severely underrated with big-time potential.

Starting tackles: Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk
Backups: Naquan Jones, Gerald Owens

If there’s one guy on the defensive line who you could bank on playing on Sundays, it’s Raequan Williams. The junior tackle had a career-high 31 tackles last season to go along with six tackles for loss and two sacks. He’ll be joined by Mike Pansiuk who was named the MVP of spring ball by the coaches and he could be in for a breakout season.

Naquan Jones looked good every time he was in the game as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and Gerald Owens provides some muscle in the middle. Like the coaches have said, there won’t be much of a drop-off, if any, between the ones and twos.

Starting ends: Jacub Panasiuk, Kenny Willekes
Backups: Justice Alexander, Jack Camper

Kenny Willekes had one of the biggest breakout seasons in recent memory as the former walk-on took the end position by storm. He finished with 72 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, going from zero to hero. He’ll be joined by Jacub Panasiuk who has been named the leader to start at the other end spot after a strong freshman campaign.

Justice Alexander has all the tools to be a star at defensive end, but needs to play to his potential. He’ll get his shot to do just that this year as the backup and Jack Camper, a former tight end, has been the breakout defensive lineman of fall camp.

Home/Spartans Football