A few changes to Michigan State football depth chart

CHICAGO -- The Michigan State football team you saw coming out of spring practice is pretty much the team you will see when the Spartans begin defense of their Big Ten championship in a few weeks.

There was little movement in the depth chart MSU released at Big Ten media days today.

The biggest change on defense might be the absence of Damon Knox, who was listed as a starting defensive tackle coming out of spring practice but chose not to return for a sixth year.

Redshirt freshman Raequan Williams is listed as Knox’s replacement.

Ed Davis is on the depth chart as one of three strongside linebacker backups to Jon Reschke. Davis was injured last season and must graduate before he will be granted another season of eligibility.

On the offensive line, Brian Allen has moved from center to left guard since the spring, leaving Kodi Kieler as the starter at center.

Dennis Finley, returning from a leg injury, has moved from left tackle to right tackle, where he and Miguel Machado are listed as potential starters.

Monty Madaris has switched from the Z receiver spot to the X receiver, and he and Felton Davis III are listed as possible starters. Highly touted freshman Donnie Corley is R.J. Shelton’s backup at Z receiver.

The offensive backfield remains as it was coming out of spring practice, with Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry both listed as starters at quarterback.

Delton Williams will start at fullback while Gerald Holmes, LJ Scott and Madre London are listed as potential starters at tailback.

Note: The Big Ten announced its 10-member football preseason honors list Monday, which includes five representatives each from the East and West divisions. Michigan LB/DB Jabrill Peppers and Michigan State DT Malik McDowell were named to the list. Iowa DB Desmond King (Detroit East English Village) also made the cut.

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.