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Dantonio compares MSU DL to great Ohio State unit of the past
How good will Michigan State's defensive line be this season? Only time will tell, but Mark Dantonio set the bar high last week when he compared the unit to one that suited up for Ohio State in 2002.
As most likely know, the current head coach of the Spartans was then the defensive coordinator of the Buckeyes.
Their run to the national title back then was keyed by a destructive front that consisted of ends Will Smith and Darrion Scott and tackles Kenny Peterson and Tim Anderson. That foursome combined for 36 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks, including three of the latter in the Buckeyes' 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami (Fla.) in the Fiesta Bowl.
The four players atop Michigan State's depth chart as camp begins will have some work to do if they want to match that production, although Dantonio may have an ace in the hole.
Projected starters are Shilique Calhoun and Lawrence Thomas at end with Joel Heath and Malik McDowell slotted at tackle. That group combined for 26.5 tackles for loss ant 15 sacks last season, although McDowell was only a part-time player as a true freshman.
Calhoun is the obvious ringleader as a third-year starter who had 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks, but the key to proving Dantonio correct probably lies with McDowell, a five-star prospect from Detroit looking at an expanded role.
"Malik McDowell is a guy that's just scratching the surface in terms of how good he can be," Dantonio said. "6-foot-6, 310 pounds, and can run and do the things he needs to do."
The coach also named youngsters Montez Sweat, Demetrius Cooper and Damon Knox as players to watch.
