Every season, over 30 non-scholarship players, know as “walk-ons,” join the team for the Michigan State Spartans. The majority of these players either do not participate in any games or do not play any meaningful snaps. However, on occasion walk-ons provide contributions, and in rare instances they become indispensable members to the team.
In recent years, MSU has been fortunate to have a handful of walk-ons become prominent players, such a Blair White, Kyle Elsworth, Drew Beesley and, most notably, Kenny Willekes. Willekes was selected first-team All-Big Ten (twice), Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy as the most outstanding former walk-on in college football.