Michigan State Football: 5 second-year players who'll break out in 2017

Michigan State Football: 5 second-year players who’ll break out in 2017

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 15: Justin Layne #39 of the Michigan State Spartans returns an interception for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Spartan Stadium on October 15, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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KALAMAZOO, MI – SEPTEMBER 4: Zach Terrell #11 of the Western Michigan Broncos is sacked by Riley Bullough #30 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Waldo Stadium on September 4, 2015 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Spartans defeated the Broncos 37-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Who will replace Riley Bullough at Mike linebacker in 2017? It will be none other than sophomore linebacker Joe Bachie, according to Mark Dantonio.

After a strong offseason, most notably an impressive spring, Bachie has leaped to the top of the depth chart at middle linebacker and will be leading the defense in 2017. It’s hard to believe that Dantonio is putting his trust in a second-year player with little experience at the most important position, arguably, on the defense, but Bachie has been that good.

Coming out of high school, he was looked at as an underrated linebacker who didn’t have as much exposure as others in the class. He was a workout machine who constantly wowed people in the weight room and a year at Michigan State has only made him stronger.

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at about 235 pounds, Bachie has the ideal size to be a Big Ten middle linebacker. His aggression sets him apart and he has athleticism and a high football IQ to match. He played in six games as a freshman, recording 12 tackles and two for loss.

Expect a monster 2017 season from the sophomore.

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