Michigan State Football: Is Kenny Willekes the best DL in Mark Dantonio era?
Kenny Willekes is one of the best defensive linemen Mark Dantonio has ever coached with Michigan State football, but is he on top?
Mark Dantonio has coached some elite defensive linemen over the years, but one stands out above the rest for a few different reasons. Kenny Willekes is the only player who he has coached at Michigan State who went from walk-on to All-American.
Now that Willekes is entering his last season with the Spartans, it’s time to look at just where he stands in terms of defensive linemen in the Dantonio era.
When you think about the best defensive linemen to play for Dantonio, two come to mind right away: Jerel Worthy and Shilique Calhoun. Another (Marcus Rush) has flown under the radar to become one of the best in the coach’s tenure, but isn’t at the same level as the others. Lawrence Thomas is another name that people overlook, but Willekes has surpassed him already.
Where does Willekes rank in terms of all-time defensive linemen under Dantonio?
Right now, he’s somewhere in the middle of Worthy and Calhoun. While I believe he’s already surpassed Worthy’s accomplishments of a Freshman All-American selection and first-team All-American honor while finishing his career with 27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, he’s still got a bit to go in order to surpass Calhoun, but he could do that in 2019.
Calhoun was a three-time second-team All-American and a three-time All-Big Ten honoree as well as the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. He has 27 career sacks and 44 tackles for loss which are second and fourth in MSU history, respectively.
Willekes, on the other hand, is a reigning All-American and two-time All-Big Ten selection, coming off being named the 2018 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. He’s sitting at 15.5 career sacks and 35 tackles for loss, so he could pass both with a strong season — but he’s almost a lock to break the tackles for loss number.
Next. 5 under-the-radar players who'll surprise in 2019. dark
Numbers aren’t everything, rather impact on the team and both Shilique and Kenny have been top defenders for the Spartans who everyone looks up to. Both incredible leaders and two of the best Michigan State has ever had. Willekes has a chance to become the best under Dantonio with another strong season.