Skyler Burkland

Michigan State offensive lineman Skyler Burkland looks on during a drill.

(Josh Slagter | MLive.com)

Michigan State offensive lineman Skyler Burkland will forgo his final two years of eligibility and retire after suffering multiple injuries during his career, the school announced Tuesday.

Burkland started 14 games for the Spartans, including 11 at right tackle as a sophomore while suffering ankle and hand injuries during his career.

Burkland was projected on the preseason depth chart as a backup at right tackle this season behind Fou Fonoti, who suffered a season-ending injury last year that allowed the 6-foot-7, 315-pounder from Sunbury, Ohio to take over as a starter.

"This was a difficult decision for Skyler," coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. "We'll certainly miss him on the football field, but he'll remain heavily involved in our program and continue to work on earning his degree."

Burkland applied for medical disqualification and will remain on scholarship to continue his studies, pending approval. He would not count against the NCAA's 85-man scholarship limit.

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