MSU Notes: 'Move Malik' the plan for McDowell up front

EAST LANSING – Michigan State coaches made no secret this spring that they wanted Malik McDowell to play a number of positions.

That was before Craig Evans and Damon Knox left the program for good, leaving a question mark next to McDowell in the middle of the defensive line.

However, Mark Dantonio on Monday alluded to the ability for the Spartans to be able to revive their “Move Malik” plan.

“As we develop depth,” co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel said, “then Malik moves around. And we want to do that.”

The Spartans want to use defensive tackle McDowell at end more often, keeping opposing offenses guessing where their star junior will line up. Much of that will predicated on the development of others in the interior of MSU’s defense.

Dantonio labeled graduate transfer Kevin Williams “a co-starter” at defensive tackle, along with McDowell and promising redshirt freshman Raequan Williams. Tressel later added that he’s seen improvement in the middle from Gerald Owens, Enoch Smith Jr. and Kyonta Stallworth. Dantonio also said tackle Mike Panasiuk is “on the fringe of the two-deep,” with Tressel confirming the true freshman “will play.”

MSU’s Malik McDowell ‘will play everywhere’ in 2016

“Developing those guys is what give us the freedom to move Malik,” Tressel said. “The ends have been doing a good job. It’s not anything about anything feeling like we lack depth at end. It’s more that Malik could be something special out there that could be disruptive. That freak in any spot can cause offenses to have to make plan changes.”

Dantonio also called Evan Jones as a “co-starter” at defensive end, adding that grad transfer Gabe Sherrod also has “made some headway” in joining starter Demetrius Cooper on the edge.

DAVIS UPDATE: Ed Davis’ quest for a sixth year is now in the NCAA’s hands. Dantonio said the senior linebacker’s grade was posted Monday, and MSU’s compliance department is in the process of filing the paperwork. His coach considers him healthy enough to play after getting back up to speed.

“You have to remember that Ed did not participate in spring drills,” Dantonio said. “So he’s gotta get comfortable with his knee again and acclimate himself back to football at this level. He really hasn’t played in a while.”

Dantonio: Tyler O’Connor to start at QB in Spartans’ opener

IMPACT FRESHMEN: Along with Panasiuk, Dantonio said wide receiver Donnie Corley “is going to play,” but the coach said a number of other freshmen could join him. Three other newcomers – Cam Chambers, Trishton Jackson and Justin Layne – could work their way into the top six at receiver, Dantonio said. Offensive line coach Mark Staten said Thiyo Lukusa has been working at tackle and should see the field.

“We’ll scrimmage on Wednesdsay,” Dantonio said, “and that’ll be an important scrimmage for a number of people. We’ll see what they can do.”

TV STARS: Dantonio said he came away impressed after watching the half-hour debut episode of “Green and White Days: Inside Michigan State Training Camp.” The second of the three-part series airs at 7 p.m. Thursday on Big Ten Network.

“It’s quality work,” he said. “It gives a glimpse of what’s going on here without giving away what’s going on here, and I think that was the intent.”