Michigan State Football: 5 post-spring 2019 questions facing Spartans

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs into the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Will Kenny Willekes be old self after injury?

Kenny Willekes decided to return to Michigan State for his senior season despite breaking his leg in the Redbox Bowl which is one of those scary injuries that could force a player to declare in fear of suffering the same fate the following season in a meaningless game.

However, Willekes is built different. The former walk-on dominated the Big Ten in 2018, earning the Defensive Lineman of the Year award. He had a career season and was virtually unblockable on the edge, making life difficult on opposing offensive tackles with his burst and strength in the trenches.

Having that same burst, strength and play style will be tough following a broken leg injury and rehab that has lasted all spring. He wasn’t able to partake in drills and was absent for the spring game, which could have an effect on his return in the fall.

Will he be his old self or will we see a modified version of Willekes? We know he’s not the kind of guy to take plays off or not give it 100 percent each play, but will he be as effective post-injury as he was pre-injury? That remains to be seen and could have major bearing on the defensive line’s success in 2019.

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