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Michigan State returns bulk of defensive line with need to improve pass rush
Updated Mar 09, 2021;
Posted Mar 09, 2021
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a pass as he is hit by Michigan State defensive tackle Jacob Slade (64) in the first quarter of their Big Ten football game game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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defensive line
Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk.
All three were three-year starters on Michigan State’s defensive line and all three were off to the NFL. That’s a total of 489 career tackles, including 98 for a loss, and 41.5 sacks that needed to replaced.
An early projection of Michigan State’s depth chart on defense and special teams
Updated Feb 17, 2021;
Posted Feb 17, 2021
Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson (3) runs to the locker room for halftime of their Big Ten football game against Indiana at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, November 14, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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Michigan State’s defense already faced a significant challenge.
The Spartans lost seven starters on that side of the ball – six of them three-year starters – from the 2019 team.
The process of retooling the defense came with additional complications as Mark Dantonio retired after 13 seasons leading the program and Mel Tucker was hired as his replacement. Like Dantonio, Tucker is a former defensive back and secondary coach by trade who worked under Nick Saban.
Recapping Mel Tucker’s first Michigan State recruiting class with hits, misses and top positions
Updated Feb 08, 2021;
Posted Feb 07, 2021
Avon QB Niko Pappas (18) gets sacked by Hoban DB AJ Kirk (1) during first half action at Byers Field in Parma in the game between Archbishop Hoban vs Avon, Div II Semifinals, November 13, 2020.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
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One recruit lost, another gained.
That was the result for Michigan State coach Mel Tucker on Wednesday, the first day of the traditional signing period for the 2021 class.
Rayshaun Benny, a four-star defensive tackle from Oak Park High School, flipped his commitment from Michigan State and signed with Michigan on Wednesday. Three hours later, Keon Coleman, a three-star wide receiver from Opelousas Catholic School in Louisiana, signed with the Spartans.