the walk-on-turned-All-American who turned Michigan State’s edge into a freeway
In the 2015 season, Jack Conklin was a first-team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten tackle for Michigan State, starting 38 of 39 career games and helping power the Spartans to major wins and a College Football Playoff run. His calling card was rare steadiness: heavy hands, strong technique, balance, and the kind of reliability coaches adore, even if he wasn’t the most explosive athlete. He also carried a toughness edge—he played through a leg injury in 2015—and his rise from walk-on to star screams competitiveness, grit, and NFL-ready polish.
