From a powerhouse offensive line to a prestigious "Punter U" legacy, discover which six Spartans earned recognition in Phil Steele’s respected preseason conference evaluations.
A new list has dropped, and it's time to break it down.
We're talking about the always-respected work of Phil Steele, who recently released his Preseason First and Second Team All-Big Ten selections. Michigan State placed six players across the two teams, and we're going to take a look at each of them.
Now, Phil Steele isn't the end-all, be-all of college football rankings, but his evaluations are widely respected throughout the sport. Steele has built a reputation for producing some of the most thorough preseason publications in college football, and his lists always generate plenty of discussion.
The Spartans were well represented, particularly on the Second Team All-Big Ten list. Michigan State has plenty of players with tremendous potential, but many are still working toward the type of national recognition that often lands players on a First Team list.
Still, the Spartans did have one player earn First Team honors.
Before we get to that player, let's take a look at the five Spartans who landed on the Second Team All-Big Ten list.
Michigan State's second-team selections fall into two categories: offensive line and special teams. It's the exact identity Pat Fitzgerald appears to want this team to embrace — a gritty, hard-working group that wins in the trenches and controls field position. Accomplishing both can put the Spartans in position to win games that few people expect them to win.
Starting with the big men up front, Michigan State has three offensive linemen listed as preseason All-Big Ten selections.
The only returning Spartan offensive lineman to earn this recognition is Connor Moore. Moore is currently projected to start at right tackle and be the driving force on the right side of the offensive line.
Holding down the left tackle spot is fellow preseason Second Team selection Ben Murawski, a transfer from UConn who was one of Pat Fitzgerald's top transfer portal additions. Murawski arrives in East Lansing with high expectations and hopes of helping lead the offensive line while improving his NFL Draft stock.
The final offensive lineman on the list is the son of Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Transferring to Michigan State from North Dakota State, Tret Fraley is expected to slide right in as the quarterback of the offensive line at center.
Fraley is a name Spartan fans won't soon forget. His tenacious style of play should provide a smooth transition from former Michigan State center Matt Gulbin, who was selected in the NFL Draft this past April.
The final two players rounding out Michigan State's preseason Second Team All-Big Ten selections come from special teams, and both are newcomers to East Lansing.
First up is the man with the leg, punter Rhys Dakin.
Michigan State has developed something of a reputation as "Punter University," with its last two starting punters hearing their names called in the NFL Draft. Now, with the addition of special teams coordinator LeVar Woods from Iowa, the Spartans also inherit Woods' standout punter. Dakin will be tasked with helping Michigan State consistently win the field-position battle.
There will certainly be plenty of eyes on Dakin as he follows the legacy left behind by recent Spartan punters.
The final Second Team selection is return specialist Kenneth Williams. The speedster transferred to Michigan State from Nebraska, bringing elite explosiveness to the return game.
If Williams can find open space, especially with Woods coaching the blocking units, there's a very real chance he finds the end zone more than once this season.
That brings us to the lone First Team All-Big Ten selection representing the Green and White.
Jordan Hall.
Hall finished last season with 88 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. The speedy linebacker can do it all, and now, with significant additions to the linebacker room, Hall shouldn't be asked to carry quite as much of the workload. Instead, he'll be able to focus on doing what he does best.
The Spartans also added Max Bullough as their linebackers coach after his time at Notre Dame. Bullough's intensity is well known among Michigan State fans, and he figures to bring that same energy to his coaching style.
That combination could elevate Hall's game even further.
Hall has a legitimate chance to be one of the top linebackers in next year's NFL Draft, and there's a reason Phil Steele placed him on his preseason First Team All-Big Ten list.
If Hall plays to his potential and the newcomers live up to expectations, don't be surprised if Michigan State's six preseason selections are only the beginning of the recognition the Spartans receive this season.
