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Michigan State Football: Final report card for 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 13: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to La'Darius Jefferson #15 of the Michigan State Spartans against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 13: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to La'Darius Jefferson #15 of the Michigan State Spartans against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the quarterback while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the quarterback while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan State. DEFENSIVE LINE. A-. . DL

There’s a reason Ron Burton and Chuck Bullough were named national defensive line coaches of the year by FootballScoop — this was one of the biggest surprise position groups on the team.

Many were concerned with the lack of depth along the defensive line heading into the season but the Spartans got major contributions from Kenny Willekes who was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and Raequan Williams. Mike Panasiuk also had a decent junior year and everyone could be coming back in 2019.

Willekes was the star of the defense, recording 78 tackles, 20.5 for loss and eight sacks to go along with four pass deflections. He was an All-American but broke his leg in the Redbox Bowl because, well, the Oregon offensive line had to tackle him to stop him from getting to Justin Herbert.

Williams was fantastic all season as well, adding 50 tackles, 10.5 for loss and two sacks. He announced he’ll be back for his senior year so that’s huge news for the defense. His fellow defensive tackle, the elder Panasiuk, had 24 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Don’t overlook the production from Jacub Panasiuk at the other end spot as he finished with 30 tackles, 4.5 for loss and two sacks.

Naquan Jones proved to be a rising star and Jack Camper made a nearly seamless transition from the tight end spot.

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