Michigan State Football: 5 most irreplaceable players for 2019 season

While we got to see what life without Kenny Willekes was like — for a half in the Redbox Bowl — it’s quite obvious that Michigan State needs him to stay healthy in order to see success in 2019.

The Spartans need that edge-rushing presence who can garner enough attention from opposing linemen to allow Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk and Jacub Panasiuk to have big years of their own. It’s going to be incredibly difficult for opposing lines to double Willekes because of what Michigan State has in the trenches already, but you take him out of the equation and their job becomes that much easier.

Willekes is a disruptive force who can make his way into the backfield on essentially every play. He’s one of the most dominant ends in college football.

To top that off, Michigan State doesn’t have a ton of depth at the defensive end position, especially after the Zach Slade injury, which would make Willekes’ absence hurt that much more.