Michigan State Football: Top 5 X-factors vs. Central Michigan in Week 5

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Offensive lineman Jacob Isaia #73, quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 and offensive lineman Tyler Higby #70 of the Michigan State Spartans lead teammates out of the tunnell before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: (L-R) Offensive lineman Jacob Isaia #73, quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 and offensive lineman Tyler Higby #70 of the Michigan State Spartans lead teammates out of the tunnell before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Jack Camper was a tight end commit but quickly found a home at defensive end for the Spartans. There was much talk about how good redshirt junior Justice Alexander was going to be and he had a real shot to take the vacant end spot. However, it’s been Camper who has been making a move with sophomore Jacob Panasiuk being hampered by injury.

Not many people saw this move making waves like it has been, but Camper has proven himself worthy of starting snaps at the position. He’s been a sight for sore eyes and has been a big reason for the defensive line’s turnaround. The pass rush is no longer dead.

Camper has a quick first step and plays the run and pass well. He is also a relentless rusher off the edge. Panasiuk is more experienced and is an excellent athlete in his own right, but Camper could be pushing him for more time when he gets back from injury.

It’ll be interesting how this develops, but there is no denying Camper’s quickness and ruthlessness.