Michigan State loses DL, reportedly will add Nebraska transfer
Michigan State lost another defensive lineman over the weekend, but appears to have a replacement lined up.
The Spartans announced Friday that defensive tackle Damon Knox has decided not to pursue a sixth year of eligibility. Mark Dantonio indicated earlier in the year that the program would try to retrieve an NCAA waiver for Knox, who participated in spring practice. Instead, Knox decided to move on from football and pursue a career in law enforcement instead.
“Damon has been a major contributor to our success the past five years,” Dantonio said in a statement. “We appreciate his time and commitment to the Michigan State football program and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
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Knox appeared in 38 games, including three starts, during his MSU career and was a projected starter in 2016, provided the NCAA waiver came to fruition. Knox missed most of the 2012 and 2014 seasons due to injuries.
Knox is the third MSU defensive lineman to leave the program this offseason. Defensive tackle Craig Evans and defensive end Montez Sweat, both sophomores, left the team for “personal reasons” in April.
And while there has been plenty of attrition on MSU’s defensive line, multiple reports indicate that help is on the way in the form of Kevin Williams. According to SpartanMag.com, Williams, a Nebraska transfer, met with MSU coaches and “the process was close to reaching a conclusion.”
Williams appeared in 23 games for Nebraska, including four starts, and registered 27 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks. Williams missed two seasons due to knee injuries, so he was granted a sixth year of eligibility.
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If the transfer comes to fruition, Williams would be immediately eligible for the Spartans in 2016.
For more Michigan State news, visit SpartanMag.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
