Shilique Calhoun: Larger Than Life

Nov. 5, 2014

By Nick Barnowski, Michigan State Athletic Communications Student Assistant

Walk into any room with Shilique Calhoun, and it won't be his 6-foot-5, 256-pound frame that stands out first.

It's his big smile and charming personality that will captivate the attention of everyone around him, which is just the way he likes it.

The superstar defensive end's leadership abilities and high-level production has helped the No. 7 Michigan State Spartans rise as one of the country's premier defensive teams.

"I try to lead by example," he said. "I try to create those big plays for my defense because I know that when I make a big play everyone gets pumped up."

The junior from Middletown, New Jersey, was named one of Michigan State's captains for the 2014 season by his teammates, an honor he said that took his breath away.

"I was sitting there and thought somebody else would be named captain because we have so many guys that lead on this team," Calhoun said. "I felt like it was something special to have these guys trust me enough to name me captain."

His emergence as a leader correlates with his growth as an individual. Growing up, Calhoun was quiet and reserved, far from his now incredibly extroverted self. As a freshman, he said he just wanted to contribute on defense. Now, he's someone who is always willing to lend an ear - on and off the field.

"It's a special feeling to be able to lead this team," said Calhoun, a criminal justice major who plans to become a police officer back in New Jersey when his football career is over. "The guys that look to me, I feel their passion. I want to be that guy they look to."

To no one's surprise, Calhoun's leadership style relies on his vocal chords, but he also knows that leading by example is just as powerful. He's seen firsthand the good that comes out of working hard, and hopes it inspires his teammates to do the same.

Calhoun's large vocal presence resonates not only with his teammates, but anyone else he meets who's willing to listen. In middle school, Calhoun committed himself to reach out and talk to others following the suicide of a classmate due to bullying. It's part of the reason why Calhoun is seemingly a friend with everyone.

"You never know what can help a person in a huge way," he said. "I honestly don't want to put it on me, I'm just trying to help other people because if I were in that situation, I would want them to help me."

His maturation has only improved his relationship with his mom, Cynthia. The Calhouns, a family of eight, have faced more than their fair share of adversity. In 2002, their house in Lakewood, New Jersey, burned down that left them staying in a hotel for five months. Material possessions were lost, but Calhoun's relationship with his mom wasn't.

"(We) are very close," he said, noting that they talk two to three times a week. "She's always been there for me. Even through the tough times, she's always had her head held high and just to see that, it's motivated me to be a better person."

Calhoun also credits the Spartan coaching staff for helping him develop as a person and athlete. He said assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, secondary coach Harlon Barnett and defensive line coach Ron Burton are like father figures to him - the people who are going to push you to succeed while giving life lessons along the way.

"Adversity is going to hit in all phases and the biggest thing is how you bounce back from them," Calhoun said. "I took it upon myself to understand that life is in my hands. (The coaches) helped me understand that and I thank them for that."

The coaches have also been Calhoun's biggest influence on the gridiron.

"It's a special feeling to be able to lead this team. The guys that look to me, I feel their passion. I want to be that guy they look to."

-Shilique Calhoun

He started playing football his freshman year of high school, well past the age kids typically start to put on the pads. Instead, he terrorized opponents on the basketball court growing up, averaging 17.5 points and 10 rebounds per game his senior year at Middletown High School North. Calhoun admitted he knew nothing about college football while being recruited.

Regardless, he came to campus with a hunger to learn. He was redshirted during the 2011 season but played in all 13 games the following year. A tireless work ethic earned him a starting role on the defensive line in 2013 where he did more than stand out.

Sporting a facemask resembling that of famous Batman villain Bane, Calhoun made 37 tackles, finished second in the Big Ten in sacks with 7.5, and tied a school record with three defensive touchdowns. He was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and also was first-team All-Big Ten and a second-team All-American. Despite being perhaps the most dominant member of the nation's No. 1 defense, he credited his teammates for his breakout season.

"Max Bullough, Denicos Allen, Isaiah Lewis, Darqueze Dennard, Tyler Hoover, those guys all helped me improve," he said. "They definitely allowed me to be the person I am today."

Calhoun's season ended with a 24-20 Rose Bowl victory over Stanford, an experience he called "breathtaking."

"I hear a lot of people saying 20 years down the road you'll really realize it and I feel as if that's true," he said.

High expectations for the 2014 season came with the Big Ten and Rose Bowl Championship. Through eight games this season, the Spartan defense is ranked fifth in the nation, allowing only 279.4 yards per game. Calhoun, who was recently named a semifinalist for the Bednarik and Lombardi Awards, has been a giant factor with 25 total tackles along with six sacks accounting for 75 yards.

Sitting in first place in the Big Ten with a 4-0 conference record (7-1 overall), the goals of winning a conference title and reaching the College Football Playoff are still in tact.

"We're getting better each and every week and it shows on film," he said. "Guys are becoming more comfortable with their plays. I'm very confident in my team."

Passion defines Calhoun. His passion for his sport, teammates and family is always worn on his sleeve. There's no doubt he'll be remembered as a great defensive player, but it's what he's done off the field that he's most proud of.

"I want to be remembered as a guy who was approachable and as someone who always lent an ear, even if he didn't know anything about it," he said. "Someone who was compassionate about other people."

With his infectious smile and booming personality, he'll be tough to forget.

This feature was originally published in the Oct. 25 edition of Michigan State Football Magazine.