Michigan State loses DL, adds Nebraska transfer (Update)

Michigan State lost another defensive lineman over the weekend, but added a replacement from the Big Ten West.

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, the Spartans brought in help in the form of former Nebraska DL Kevin Williams. 

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. Williams had a scholarship offer and visited East Lansing as a recruit, so he was familiar with the Spartan program.

“We’re excited about the addition of Kevin to our football team,” said Dantonio. “We had a chance to get to know him during the recruiting process. He has the talent and experience to immediately contribute to our defense this season.”

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Williams will be immediately eligible for the Spartans in 2016.

“It was a little bit of everything on why I wanted to come to Michigan State,” Williams said. “I had a previous relationship with the coaching staff during the recruiting process in high school. I also got a good idea of how the program was run by being in the same conference. I knew that even after coming to Nebraska, Michigan State would have been a good route to go as well out of high school. I’m excited to be a part of a championship level program.”

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!

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