Kevin Williams Transfers to Michigan St.: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Michigan State Spartans added some depth to their defensive line with the announcement Monday that former Nebraska defensive tackle Kevin Williams will be joining the program.  

Williams will be a graduate transfer with one season of eligibility. He will be able to play immediately.

In an official press release from MSU, Williams noted he has a solid relationship with the Michigan State coaching staff and that he became impressed with the team after competing against the Spartans in the Big Ten:

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It was a little bit of everything on why I wanted to come to Michigan State. I had a previous relationship with the coaching staff during the recruiting process in high school. I also got a good idea of how the program was run by being in the same conference.

I knew that even after coming to Nebraska, Michigan State would have been a good route to go as well out of high school. I’m excited to be a part of a championship level program.

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Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio added that he expects Williams to contribute right away for the defending Big Ten champions.

Williams will certainly be a welcome addition to the Spartans defense. According to the Lansing State Journal's Chris Solari (via the Detroit Free Press), Michigan State will be without six defensive linemen from a year ago, including three-time All-Big Ten selection Shilique Calhoun, who is now with the Oakland Raiders. 

Per his Nebraska biography, Williams started four games for the Cornhuskers, totaling three sacks and 10 tackles for loss. 

Per Mike Griffith of MLive.com, Michigan State wants to move junior defensive tackle Malik McDowell to end. McDowell, who has played in all 27 career games for the Spartans, would help alleviate the loss of Calhoun. The addition of Williams makes it easier for the team to possibly execute such a move. 

Williams should not be expected to become a star for Michigan State, but he brings plenty of experience and will be a key rotation player on the defensive line. The Spartans will want to improve a defense that finished 53rd last season in total yards allowed, per ESPN.com, and adding Williams will help in that regard.