Michigan State's calling card in 2018 was its defense. That unit will have a chance to be even better in 2019 with the news that Big Ten defensive lineman of the year, Kenny Willekes, is returning for his senior season.
That means three of the Spartans' top defensive players will be back, including linebacker Joe Bachie and defensive tackle Raequan Williams, also juniors.
Willekes, whose 20.5 tackles for loss led the Big Ten, likely would have departed for the NFL, but he broke his leg in Michigan State's loss to Oregon in the RedBox Bowl.
"After much discussion with my family, coaches, and close friends I have decided this is not the way I want to end my career at Michigan State," Willekes posted on Twitter Tuesday night. "I will be returning to Michigan State for my senior year to pursue the goal of returning to the Big Ten championship with my brothers."
— Kendrick4️⃣8️⃣ (@kennyw97) January 9, 2019It's been quite the rise for Willekes at Michigan State. He was a walk-on in 2015 and only played in one game as a red-shirt freshman in 2016. He emerged as a force on the defensive line in 2017 and cemented his status as a star in 2018.
His 78 tackles this season were the most in the nation among defense linemen. And his best game came against Michigan State's best opponent when he racked up a career-high 13 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, versus Ohio State.
Willekes was named first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and the media.
His return in 2019 will bolster a defense that ranked 10th in the nation this season, including first overall against the rush.
