Michigan State Football: Next man up at every position

Sep 20, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles running back Ryan Brumfield (22) gets tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) and defensive back Montae Nicholson (9) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Eagles 73-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Alas, we are at the position that has inspired this slideshow. The Sam, or MONEY, linebacker position was left vacant by one of the best, yet most underrated, players in the Big Ten: Ed Davis.

Luckily for the Spartans, guys like Jon Reschke and Chris Frey are pushing to earn some prominent playing time there. These two young players, both sophomores, are talented enough to help us forget that Ed Davis is no longer with us for 2015 and to keep us held over until next season when the senior linebacker could potential earn a sixth year of eligibility.

Although Davis will be extremely difficult to replace, I’m going to predict that he’s not even guaranteed his starting job back if he does return for a sixth season.

Why do I think that?

Look at the Ohio State quarterback position. Braxton Miller was projected to be a Heisman frontrunner at the outset of the 2014 season before he went down with a season-ending shoulder injury in fall camp. A couple of guys stepped up and played well enough that Miller had to change positions in order to earn playing time for the 2015 season.

I see Reschke and Frey playing well enough that it will be like the Spartans have two highly capable starting MONEY linebackers and Ed Davis would have to switch to a different position in order to start or even play at all.

Frey is the next guy up here, but realistically, it could be interchangeable between him and Jon Reschke.

Next: Cornerback