Big 10 Prospect Watch List: Michigan State
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) celebrates his sack of Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (not pictured) in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Michigan State Spartans lost three of their biggest offensive weapons in Jeremy Langford, Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery to the NFL, all of which cause a devastating blow to the offensive structure of the team. The team carries several senior wide receivers, but all of them recorded less than seven catches all season. After beating Baylor at the Cotton Bowl by one point, many of the Michigan State players are under the NFL Draft microscope. Which member of Mark Dantonio’s Michigan State Spartans could be helping your team in 2016?
Connor Cook – RS Senior, QB
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Cook is another popular face in what will be a Big 10 driven quarterback class next year. He’s your prototypical, stand in the pocket quarterback with good size and good ball placement. His quick release and ability to stand tall in the pocket have led to an excellent completion percentage of 58.1% at Michigan State. While he won’t burn you with his speed, Cook is mobile enough to make a difference and keeps defenders on their toes. While running, he will fight for yards, a plus for NFL scouts and head coaches. Despite all the positive attributes, I still have a few knocks on the kid. His decision-making is questionable, he doesn’t lead receivers well, and a lot of his throws are lower than I would like to see. In a draft class with potential names such as Hackenberg, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller and Dak Prescott, I would expect Cook to be a mid to late first round pick. Maybe a Phillip Rivers replacement?
Shilique Calhoun- RS Senior, Edge
Calhoun is touted as the second best passrusher in college football, behind Ohio State’s Joey Bosa. If Calhoun wants to succeed at the next level, he needs to add a little more weight to his frame. His patience and awareness are consistently top-notch, especially against dual threat quarterbacks or against the option plays. While he had eight sacks last season at Michigan State, his tackle numbers were relatively low. Whether that’s a lack of effort or lack of talent, we will have to see in 2015.
Jack Allen – RS Senior, Center/Guard
Allen has been a key contributor to the Michigan State offensive line for three years, starting 35 games in that time span. The vast majority of that time was spent at center, while a small portion was completed at left guard. He was named a first-team All-American in his junior season last year, as well as first-team Big Ten. “Jack Allen is the heartbeat of our offensive line,” MSU offensive line coach Mark Staten said. Allen does an excellent job in both pass protection and run blocking, which lead to Jeremy Langford’s excellent season last year.
Jack Conklin – RS Junior, OT
A former walk on, Conklin has the first round potential many thought was impossible just a few years ago. At 6-6, 320 pounds, he possesses the ideal size and pass protection skills to be a really good offensive tackle. His versatility is another key to go along with his size. While he started the majority of his games at left tackle last season, he did see time on the right hand side.