Michigan State Football: Previewing defensive ends for 2018

The defensive end position for Michigan State features one of the team’s best players, and the biggest question mark for the Spartans.

Michigan State football is coming into the 2018 season with high expectations. The Spartans bring back nine of 11 starters on defense, defensive end is one of the two starters they have to replace on a defense that finished seventh in total defense last year.

Kenny Willekes returns for his junior season, coming off a very strong sophomore season that saw him go from unknown former walk-on, to one of the best defensive ends in the Big Ten. He was selected third-team All-Big Ten last year, after leading the team in sacks with seven, and tackles for loss with 14.5. He had 73 tackles, which ranked second in the Big Ten amongst defensive linemen and he played in all 13 games, including 12 starts.

Willekes is someone the Michigan State coaches expect to have an even better season this year, he is up to 260 pounds this year after playing last year around 240. With his work ethic, increased strength and understanding Willekes should push for All-Big Ten honors.

The defensive end spot opposite Willekes is the question mark coming into camp. Jacub Panasiuk could provide that answer. The younger brother of starting defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk, Jacub is coming off a strong freshman season that saw him play in all 13 games. He finished with 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack his true freshman season. Panasiuk, 6-foot-3 and 254 pounds, slimmed down for the upcoming season losing over 10 pounds. It should allow him to be even more explosive coming off the edge.

Justice Alexander is entering his junior season, so far he has only played in two games and has recorded four tackles. He’s a guy who has always had great size and athleticism for the Spartans, but this winter and spring the Michigan State football coaches have said the light has come on for the promising prospect. Alexander, who is 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, may be one of the most athletic options for the Michigan State football coaches. If he can show that explosiveness of the edge this season, he can take the defensive to another level.

Jack Camper is entering his redshirt freshman season. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Camper, came into the Michigan State football program as a tight end, but slid over to defensive end during his redshirt season. The Michigan State football coaches brought Camper in to play tight end, but he actually played a lot more defensive end in high school. His name has come up from the coaches, for the  speed and athleticism he has shown early in camp. He might be that guy that goes from under the radar, to major contributor for the Michigan State football team.

Brandon Randle is a versatile sophomore athlete for the Michigan State coaches. He is a guy who has the ability to play linebacker and then slide down to defensive end in passing situations, adding a lot of speed off the edge. He played both spots as a freshman, and appeared in all 13 games. He was able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback last year, forcing him out of the pocket, or getting the ball out sooner than he wanted.

A couple sleeper candidates for the Michigan State football coaches are sophomore Drew Beesley and true freshman Zach Slade. Beesley played well in the spring game, he is a max effort guy who uses his quickness and technique to make plays. Zach Slade, is a 6-foot-4, 247-pound true freshman who came in ready to compete. He has a quick burst and has better technique than most freshmen come in with.