Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing defense in 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Dillon Mitchell #13 of the Oregon Ducks catches a touchdown pass over Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins scores a second half touchdown past the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Will Kenny Willekes show signs of rust post-injury?

The reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year is coming off a major injury that he suffered in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon, and that has some concerned about his recovery.

Though Kenny Willekes will tell you that he’s close to 100 percent, it’s something that has to be in the back of his mind as well as everyone else’s. He turned the corner to make a play on Justin Herbert in the backfield when an offensive lineman landed on his leg, causing a break. The injury kept him from entering the NFL draft and he was forced to rehab all offseason.

Now that he’s back after missing most of spring camp and he’s working harder than ever to get his game to that next level.

How? Well, for starters, he went to Atlanta to learn pass rush moves from an expert in that area and then traveled to Vegas to learn more from Von Miller and Aaron Donald. That’s the type of hard work that’s going to keep him from getting rusty despite coming off that major leg injury.

Will we see a completely healed and dominant Willekes from Week 1 on?

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