Michigan State Football: Next man up at every position
Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Shane Jones (49) and defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) react following the completion of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
It seems like most of the guys named on this list were former high school standouts who had been rated as four-stars, or close to it. Enter, Shane Jones — yet another highly-touted high school prospect who has been waiting in the wings for his turn to start.
Related: MSU Football: 5 players who could replace Ed Davis
Jones came to Michigan State as an inside linebacker and even with the injury of Ed Davis at the MONEY position, he has stayed with his backup job at Mike linebacker.
Hoping to follow the footsteps of another famous Jones at middle linebacker for Michigan State — Greg Jones — Shane Jones is the kind of prospect who has the talent and potential to be great, but hasn’t gotten the opportunity just yet.
Sitting behind Riley Bullough on the depth chart, the redshirt sophomore will likely wait at least one more season for his chance to start in the middle of the defense.
If, for some reason, Bullough goes down with an injury or is just gassed during a game, you better believe Jones will be the next man up to fill the hole in the defense.
Spartan Nation has been waiting for this kid to live up to the hype and it just may happen sooner rather than later as I’m expecting a big 2015 season for him even as a backup.
Next: Sam linebacker