Michigan State Football: 5 position battles to watch ahead of 2018 season

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after recovering a fumble by wide receiver Brandon Smith of the Iowa Hawkeyes and returning it 11 yards during the third quarter at Spartan Stadium on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Iowa 17-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Sam Linebacker

The loss of senior Chris Frey certainly hurts, but the Spartans have plenty of options to consider as his replacement at Sam linebacker. The current front-runner is redshirt junior Tyriq Thompson, who saw the field for 112 snaps last season. The Detroit native, who chose the green and white over following in his father’s footsteps to Michigan, will have big shoes to fill if he assumes the starting spot. While Frey did not match the stats he put up in 2016 (96 tackles) last season, he was a leader and calming presence for the Spartans linebackers.

Redshirt sophomore Brandon Randle, who was a DE/LB last year, has moved back to strong-side linebacker, as well. A tantalizing prospect, Randle could make the competition very interesting if he can prove he is consistent enough to start. Until that happens, however, he’s more likely to serve as a reserve who can also fill in as third-down edge rusher. With the Spartans looking for more quickness, there’s the possibility that rising sophomore Antjuan Simmons will see some snaps at Sam, as well.

Dantonio has also said he envisions both Chase Kline and Jeslord Boateng, two true freshman from Ohio, as potential Sam linebackers. The aforementioned Heyward is an intriguing prospect for the position if he doesn’t win the back-up running back spot.

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