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Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans’ 2018 recruiting class

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans high-steps into the end zone to score against the Indiana Hoosiers on an 18-yard run during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans high-steps into the end zone to score against the Indiana Hoosiers on an 18-yard run during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans motions a first down after Michigan State Spartans recover a fumble by the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans motions a first down after Michigan State Spartans recover a fumble by the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Linebackers: B+

Do not sleep on this class of Michigan State linebackers. The Spartans are mostly set at the position for the next few years with Antjuan Simmons and Joe Bachie emerging as stars, but who could replace Andrew Dowell after next season?

An early favorite would have to be Chase Kline. Although he’s listed as an inside linebacker, he may be too good to keep off the field for the two years that Bachie is starting in the middle. The Chardon, Ohio, native is a strong 6-foot-3.5, 225-pound linebacker who could actually be the Bachie of this class. He could see the field as a true freshman and take over for Dowell in 2019.

Although he’s on the smaller end of things for the position, Jeslord Boateng is another potential underclassman starter. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at 210 pounds, but he moves well at the position and isn’t afraid of contact. He’s listed as the No. 637 recruit and 44th-best outside linebacker in the class.

Lastly, there’s Edward Warinner, a three-star inside linebacker from Powell, Ohio. He’s the son of current Michigan assistant Ed Warinner who is expected to take over as the offensive line coach for the Spartans’ top rival. He’s ranked as the 52nd-best inside backer in the class and provides solid depth.

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