Michigan State Football: 5 players who could fill in for Ed Davis
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) looks over the Michigan Wolverines offense during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday night, Michigan State was stricken with terrible news: starting ‘money’ linebacker Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury and he will apply for a sixth year of eligibility. Besides a little bit of panic from Spartan Nation, gears shifted to who would be the next man up.
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Michigan State has a plethora of talent at the linebacker position, so finding a qualified player to fill the role won’t be too difficult, but finding someone with the same type of motor and leadership as Ed Davis won’t be as simple.
Mike Wilson of 247Sports, got to talk to head coach Mark Dantonio about the possible replacements for Davis and many names came to life.
You would never wish an injury on a player, especially a senior poised for a big season, but the loss of Davis happened so early in fall camp that there’s plenty of time before September’s season opener to find a solid starter.
There is plenty of young talent on the roster. Incoming players, on a rare occasion, now have a chance to compete for a starting role at one of the most important positions on the defense. Not too often does the ninth-year head coach start a player who is in his first or second year with the team, but if he works hard enough and the potential is there, Dantonio will name a freshman or sophomore as a starter.
Let’s take a look at the top five guys who could compete for the starting ‘money’ linebacker position for the Spartans in Ed Davis’ place.
Next: 5. Jon Reschke