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Michigan State Football: Projected Spartans’ 2-deep depth chart for 2019

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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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)
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) /

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk
Backups: Naquan Jones, DeAri Todd OR Dashaun Mallory

Defense was not the issue for Michigan State in 2018, particularly the front-seven who combined for the best rushing defense in the country. Guys like Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk will be back on the line’s interior to plug up the middle and force the opponents’ run games to veer outside. They’re also talented enough to get a push in the pass rush. The two starters combined for 16 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season and both will be on All-Big Ten watch.

The tackle spot has plenty of depth as Naquan Jones would be a starter on a number of Big Ten teams, but is caught as the first guy off the bench. He can be a dominant force and had 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack last season. DeAri Todd and Dashaun Mallory are my favorites to push for the other backup spot.

Starting ends: Kenny Willekes, Jacub Panasiuk
Backups: Zach Slade, Drew Beesley

What more can we say about Kenny Willekes other than the fact that he’s arguably the best defensive end in the Mark Dantonio era. He’s back after recording 78 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks in a Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year season, but he did end it by breaking his leg in the Redbox Bowl. He should be 100 percent, though. On the opposite end, Jacub Panasiuk has been talked about plenty this summer and the staff has even dubbed him the most improved player on the team. That’s huge news for the defense.

Some have been high on Drew Beesley since he came to Michigan State and he definitely has that Spartan feel, but he has plenty to show still. He has shown flashes in spring games and camps, but he needs more consistency. Along with him, Zach Slade is a guy to keep an eye on after an impressive spring which he could carry over into the season. He’s a top breakout player to watch for Michigan State.

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