DT Kyonta Stallworth is latest to transfer from MSU

East Lansing — Michigan State defensive tackle Kyonta Stallworth announced on Twitter Saturday that he transferring.

Stallworth, a former four-star recruit out of Detroit King, played in six games last season after appearing in just two games in 2016.

“After much consideration and contemplation, I have decided to transfer from Michigan State University,” Stallworth wrote. “Although I will play my remaining football elsewhere, I will always be a Spartan first. I want to thank my teammates especially for the journey that we have had together and the special life-long relationships we formed. I also want to thank the coaches, especially Coach D, for the opportunity to get an education and want to thank all who helped me along the way.”

The redshirt junior did not take part in spring practice. When spring practice began and his name was not listed on the roster, coach Mark Dantonio was asked about Stallworth’s status, as well as Jalen Watts-Jackson, who was also not listed.

“Just to be clear, we’ll see,” Dantonio said. “We’ve got to make some decisions.”

Watts-Jackson later announced he was seeking a graduate transfer. With Stallworth’s announcement, the Spartans have now had eight players move on after the end of the 2017 season.

Quarterback Messiah deWeaver transferred to East Mississippi Community College, receiver Hunter Rison left for Kansas State and receiver Trishton Jackson transferred to Syracuse. Running back Madre London headed to Tennessee for his final season as a graduate transfer while defensive end Lashawn Paulino-Bell and linebacker Darien Tipps-Clemons left but have not announced where they are headed.

Stallworth came to Michigan State as an offensive lineman but after redshirting in 2015 he moved to defense in the spring of 2016. He had one tackle in two games that season before recording 11 tackles in six games in 2017.

Finding a bigger role, however, would have been tough entering his junior season as he found himself behind starters Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams as well as primary backups Naquan Jones and Gerald Owens.

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