Michigan State’s Shilique Calhoun is one of only two defensive players in college football this season to score three touchdowns.
“Shilique Calhoun had a breakout year from his defensive end position,” Spartans Coach Shilique Dantonio said. “He’s a high-motor guy, who has the knack for making big plays. Shilique has played at a consistently high level all year, not only pressuring the quarterback but playing versus the run as well.”
Shilique Calhoun was named the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media, Calhoun ranks second on the defense in tackles for loss (14 for 75 yards) and production points (227). He also ranks tied for second in the NCAA FBS with four fumble recoveries, which is tied for fifth most in an MSU single-season. Calhoun has produced a tackle for loss in 10 of his last 12 games; he ranks fifth in the Big Ten in sacks and eighth in tackles for loss.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Calhoun totaled four tackles, including half a sack (3 yards), and a QB hurry in MSU’s victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. He’s looking like a top ten to top 15 NFL Draft pick for 2015.
In previewing the Rose Bowl, I asked Dantonio this:
How much has Shilique Calhoun mattered to your defense this year and how much of a factor do you think he’s going to be in this game? How big is he for your defense?
Dantonio: Shilique Calhoun plays a very important part in our defense obviously. We have a lot of seniors on our team, guys that have been playing for three and four years, and they really are like coaches. It gives us a great opportunity to make adjustments very quickly in games. Shilique is an outstanding defensive end and he’s a red-shirt sophomore. He played a little bit for us last year as a red-shirt freshman, but very athletic, very active, and I think the most important thing he does, he brings emotion.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also an analyst for multiple news talk radio stations across the country; with regular weekly segments on NBC and Fox Sports Radio. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks) and RSS Catch him Tuesdays talking Illini and Northwestern for KOZN 1620 The Zone, Fridays talking Chicago Bears for WAOR 95.7 The Fan