Projected 2018 Michigan State football starting lineup

OFFENSE Quarterback – Brian Lewerke, Jr. This one is a no-brainer as Lewerke is coming off a breakout season in 2017 when he compiled 3,352 total yards, the second-most in program history, while starting all 13 games. Expect him to take another jump this season, as he's already spent plenty of time on his accuracy, something that showed in his limited work in the spring game. Redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi should be the backup and should get some work early in the season. Also in the backup mix is graduate transfer Mickey Macius and freshman Theo Day, who likely will redshirt.

Running back – LJ Scott, Sr. This is another simple choice, as Scott decided the NFL could wait for another year and came back for his final season with the Spartans. He'll get the bulk of the work this season, though sophomore Connor Heyward likely will see time spelling Scott along with filling plenty of other roles as one of MSU's most versatile players. Weston Bridges, who missed spring recovering from an injury, will be worth watching in the fall, as will incoming freshmen Elijah Collins and La’Darius Jefferson, both of whom will get a shot to see the field in their first season.

Fullback – Collin Lucas, Sr. Not a lot of chances to touch the ball for this group, but Lucas (40) is a solid blocker who will see most of the work. Senior Ben Line and sophomore Reid Burton are the backups.

Wide receiver – Felton Davis, Sr. Davis had a big year in 2017, leading the Spartans in receptions (55), receiving yards (776), receiving yards per catch (14.1) and touchdown catches (nine) while being named second team All-Big Ten by the media. Sophomore Cam Chambers is likely to get some time here, as well as in the slot after a solid spring.

Wide receiver -- Darrell Stewart, Jr. Stewart is a solid route runner who is strong after the catch and carrying the ball on jet sweeps. He had 813 all-purpose yards last season while catching 50 passes and scoring twice. Sophomore Laress Nelson could be a primary backup here after seeing some time as a true freshman while the versatile Chambers could also play here, as well.

Wide receiver -- Cody White, Soph. White had an outstanding freshman season with 35 receptions, including four for touchdowns. Expect White to take another step this season after being named to the All-Freshman team by the Big Ten Network. Redshirt freshman C.J. Hayes could see some time as a backup. How the youngsters fit in remains to be seen, as two of the three incoming freshmen – Javez Alexander and Julian Major – enrolled early, but along with Jalen Nailor it seems redshirts are likely for all three.

Tight end – Matt Sokol, Sr. Sokol was solid in his first season as a starter in 2017 and once again will be one of the Spartans’ top leaders and a factor in the passing game in 2018. Sophomore Matt Dotson should see increased playing time after seeing limited work as a true freshman in 2017. The health of sophomore Noah Davis will be a question heading into fall camp and could affect whether incoming freshman Trenton Gillison plays in his first season. Senior Chase Gianacakos will continue to be used in the jumbo, short-yardage packages.

Left tackle – Cole Chewins, Jr. He didn't play in the spring game, but expect Chewins (61) to continue to be the anchor on the left side of a line that is often rotating under coach Mark Staten. Sophomore Luke Campbell could also shift to the left side while others like senior David Beedle could play there in a pinch.

Left guard – David Beedle, Sr. He's been one of the more versatile players up front and one of the more consistent, as well. As long as he can remain healthy, Beedle likely will lock down the left guard spot with junior Tyler Higby, who has started 13 games at left guard, the No. 1 backup.

Center – Matt Allen, Soph. It would seem odd not to have an Allen at center and after a strong spring, the brother of Jack and Matt appears to have secured the starting spot. There are other options, including sophomore Jordan Reid and junior Tyler Higby, as well as redshirt freshman Blake Bueter.

Right guard – Kevin Jarvis, Soph. Jarvis (75) started 10 games as a true freshman in 2017 and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He'll likely improve on that as a sophomore and likely will take all the snaps at right guard. David Beedle and Jordan Reid can also play there while redshirt freshman Matt Carrick could also get a shot if needed.

Right tackle – Luke Campbell, Soph. Campbell started 12 of 13 games last season and should get the nod once again. He has the ability to move to the left side as well, leaving open time for Jordan Reid at right tackle as well as redshirt freshman Mustafa Khaleefah. Sophomore AJ Arcuri has battled injuries his first two seasons while early enrollee Dimitri Douglas did not play this spring because of an injury.

DEFENSE Defensive end – Kenny Willekes, Jr. The former walk-on added some spark to the MSU pass rush last season with 14.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Willekes (48) will be primed for another big season, though depth could be an issue for the Spartans as senior Dillon Alexander is capable but not a game-changer. That could come from young, unproven players like redshirt freshmen DeAri Todd and Jack Camper.

Defensive tackle – Raequan Williams, Jr. Williams has started 16 straight games and had another outstanding spring, which means he could likely improve on the honorable mention All-Big Ten honors he received last season. Senior Gerald Owens and sophomore Naquan Jones are the primary backups inside as the players will rotate with fellow starter Mike Panasiuk.

Defensive tackle – Mike Panasiuk, Jr. Like Williams, Panasiuk has started 16 straight games and was honorable mention last season and followed that with another impressive spring. After Owens and Jones, it will be interesting to see if younger players like sophomore Mufi Hill-Hunt and incoming freshman Deshaun Mallory can crack the rotation.

Defensive end – Jacub Panasiuk, Soph. He was limited this spring, but showed promise playing in all 13 games as a true freshman. Panasiuk (96) will likely be battling junior Justice Alexander for the starting spot after Alexander had an impressive spring. Incoming freshmen Parks Gissinger, Jacob Slade and Zachary Slade also will get a chance to get in the playing rotation.

SAM linebacker – Tyriq Thompson, Jr. This could be a fluid spot considering the options the Spartans have on the outside. We’ll give Thompson the nod for now, though he has the ability to play any of the three linebacker positions. Sophomore Brandon Randle will factor in as well, along with redshirt freshman Noah Harvey.

MIKE linebacker – Joe Bachie, Jr. There's no doubt Bachie is the starter after being named the team MVP in 2017, but he didn't play this spring because of an injury, making the No. 2 spot a focal point. That should go to senior Byron Bullough while early enrollee Edward Warinner looked good this spring.

STAR linebacker – Andrew Dowell, Sr. The elder statesman (5) of the group didn't play this spring because of an injury, but his role in the MSU defense is solidified. As is that of sophomore Antjuan Simmons, who sat out this spring as well. Both will get plenty of time this fall, sometimes on the field together.

Cornerback – Josiah Scott, Soph. Scott was a freshman All-American according to ESPN, and he'll likely improve on that this season, adding an interception in the spring game to his resume. Senior Tyson Smith is the most likely backup here, though the Spartans have plenty of depth with the likes of redshirt freshman Shakur Brown and early enrollee Kalon Gervin.

Cornerback – Justin Layne, Jr. Layne is the clear choice after breaking up eight passes and grabbing an interception last season while earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He'll likely be backed up by junior Josh Butler, who has starting experience and will see plenty of playing time. Also keep an eye on sophomore Tre Person and redshirt freshman Jiah Norman.

Safety – Khari Willis, Sr. Willis is the senior and leader of the defense who will be looking to improve on a junior season that included 71 tackles, a couple of interceptions and honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. When he does come out, expect sophomore Dominique Long to jump in after standing out on special teams as a freshman in 2017.

Safety – David Dowell, Jr. Dowell earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media after intercepting five passes in 2017. He'll parlay that into locking up the starting spot this year after starting 10 a year ago. Senior Matt Morrissey will be the primary backup, but keep an eye on early enrollee Xavier Henderson in a nickel role after a solid spring. Incoming freshmen Michael Dowell and Davion Williams are worth watching, too.

SPECIALISTS Kicker – Matt Coghlin, Soph. The hero of the win over Penn State once again will handle the field goals for the Spartans after making 15 of 19 field goals in 2017. Redshirt freshmen Tyler Hunt and Cole Hahn are fighting to be the kickoff specialist.

Punter – Jake Hartbarger, Sr. Not much intrigue here. This has been Hartbarger's job the last three years and will be again in 2018. Redshirt freshman Jack McKenna would be the first choice as the backup.