Michigan State Football: 5 most underrated players

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) sacks Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) during the fourth quarter in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Following in the footsteps of his older brother Max, Riley Bullough has some big shoes to fill. While his brother was once one of the best linebackers Dantonio has ever coached, Riley has a chance to be just as good.

The junior backer is entering his first season as the starting Mike linebacker and there’s a chance he has a breakout season.

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) reacts during the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Riley finished the season with 29 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and two interceptions — one sealed the win for the Spartans in the Cotton Bowl.

It’s crazy to think that Bullough was thought of as an option at running back just two years ago, but the clear calling for the junior is the middle linebacker position. However, knowing that he once earned reps at tailback shows just how athletic he is and what kind of speed he is capable of producing in the linebacking corps.

Bullough has a younger linebacker on the team as well, Byron, and he’s hoping to create a top-notch level of play for him to try and follow.

Trust me, you will see Riley take some major steps at linebacker this season and I wouldn’t be surprised if we all had flashbacks of Max in the middle.

Next: 3. Ed Davis, LB