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Projected Michigan State starter gets sixth year

Michigan State players Jack Conklin (74), Brandon Clemons (64) and L.J. Scott (3), celebrate following a 31-28 win over Oregon. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State players Jack Conklin (74), Brandon Clemons (64) and L.J. Scott (3), celebrate following a 31-28 win over Oregon. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)

Michigan State received some good news on Tuesday.

The program announced that offensive lineman Brandon Clemons, an expected starter, has officially been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Clemons has appeared in 32 games during his Spartans career and was listed as a starter at right guard during spring practice.

The 6-foot-3, 303-pound Clemons missed most of his redshirt freshman season (2012) due to a foot injury, allowing him to pursue a medical redshirt. He graduated in December 2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Brandon Clemons adds a great deal of experience and stability to the offensive line," head coach Mark Dantonio said in a release. "I believe the team is only as good as the seniors. Brandon has been part of a winning culture here the past five years and we’re excited he’s getting the opportunity to maintain that level of excellence for his sixth season. He’s everything you’re looking for in a quality student-athlete. He earned his degree last year and will be a go-to guy in the offensive line room this season for our football team.”

Clemons began his career on the defensive line and saw action in six games in 2013 before moving to the other side of the ball in 2014. He played in 13 games in 2014 and became more of a regular presence in the line rotation last year throughout Big Ten play.

Spartans linebacker Ed Davis is also expected to apply for a sixth year once he completes his undergraduate degree in August. Per MLive.com, Dantonio told reporters last month that Davis had classes to take in both summer sessions. MSU’s second summer session ends Aug. 18, so the program may not find out about his status until the days leading up to the beginning of the season.

Davis was an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection in 2014 but missed the 2015 season after tearing his ACL during preseason practice. He is allowed to practice with the team while the eligibility process plays out.

For more Michigan State news, visit SpartanMag.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!