Kevin Williams joining Michigan State; Nebraska grad transfer helps fill big need

Michigan State has reportedly landed a big-time graduate transfer in defensive lineman Kevin Williams.

Williams is expected to join the Spartans, according to Mike Griffith of MLive. com:

Michigan State's shallow defensive line expects to get a lift from the addition of Nebraska's Kevin Williams, a graduate transfer who will join the Spartans this offseason, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

The 6-2, 275-pound tackle has battled through two major knee injuries that caused him to miss both the 2011 and 2013 seasons. Williams graduated from Nebraska with his bachelor's degree this offseason. He is eligible to play immediately for a team next season after being granted a sixth season of eligibility in December.

Injuries throughout Williams' career are why the NCAA gave him one more year to play college football, and it looks like he wants to do so in East Lansing. He played in just three games and had two tackles last season.

Knee, groin and wrist injuries have hampered the Ohio native's production on the field, but he won't need to play as many snaps for a Spartans defense that has talent here, but not a lot of proven depth.

That's even more true now that Damon Knox has moved on, so it's possible Williams becomes that second starting defensive tackle spot next to Malik McDowell next season.