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Michigan State Football: Will linebackers be better in 2017?

By Stephen Robb

Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) gestures to the sidelines during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State football has lost two key contributing linebackers from its playoff run in 2015. Can this year’s unit be better?

Riley Bullough and John Reschke are gone, the former graduated and the latter transferred. While Shane Jones started a few games last year, he is not perceived to be in line to start this year.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 true freshmen who’ll play right away in 2017

Moreover, Andrew Dowell is back after a slight sophomore slump. Chris Frey is also returning for his senior season and will be a key contributor. Normally, there would be cause for concern at this point given the turnover of experience and talent. However, there is reason for optimism in Spartan Nation.

Many of the young guys gained valuable experience last season. Joe Bachie is the heir apparent to Bullough. Bachie has received high praise from all of the coaching staff for his football IQ as well as physical play. Dowell showed much promise playing as a true freshman, only to take a step back last year.

Injuries and poor defensive line play are among the many reasons the defense struggled and sloshed through last season.

Dowell has the talent and potential to be better this fall. Frey was highly praised by former Detroit Loin and Ohio State Buckeye Chris Spielman coming out of high school. Frey is a playmaking linebacker and with a revamped defensive line, I anticipate that he will have his best season in the green and white.

Why am I so high on the defensive line when they lost much? My reasoning is simple: effort and experience. There were many games I watched last year and witnessed a lack of both. Plus, with game experience under their belt, players like Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk will shine up front.

Also, the Spartans have several high-effort players like Kenny Willekes and Gerald Owens the defensive line will be able to provide the much needed push and free up the linebackers to make plays.

There is much inexperience as well with players like Tyriq Thompson and Bryon Bullough. They have been in the system for several years now and they played fairly well in the spring scrimmage.

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The defense had its moments last year, especially against Ohio State, but this unit can be better if it can avoid the injury bug. There is much potential and talent in this unit to be special.

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