All-time Michigan State football defensive starters from Mark Dantonio era

Defensive tackle 2: Jerel Worthy

Last up on the defensive line is Jerel Worthy who spent three seasons in East Lansing from 2009-2011 and helped win Dantonio his first Big Ten championship.

Worthy played in 40 games during his career, earning 38 starts, and racked up 107 tackles. This included 27.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, both of which were top 15 in program history at the time.

Worthy was also a standout on special teams as he blocked three kicks during his career as well.

Worthy steadily improved all throughout his career, beginning with his freshman season when he made the freshman All-America team. From there he was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore before being a consensus first team All-American as a senior.

Worthy left Michigan State one year early, which really puts into perspective how impressive being in the top 15 in tackles for loss and sacks in program history really is. He went on to be drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round (51st overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft.