Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates to watch in 2018 spring game

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins is tackled by Antjuan Simmons #34 of the Michigan State Spartans during a first half run at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins is tackled by Antjuan Simmons #34 of the Michigan State Spartans during a first half run at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State has been producing All-Big Ten caliber linebackers at an impressive rate over the past decade under Mark Dantonio, and Brandon Randle could very well be the latest to take the conference by storm.

The redshirt sophomore had a position change in 2017, going from linebacker to more of a defensive end hybrid. He didn’t have much production from that position and was always seemingly in limbo, but co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel says he’s pushing to replace Chris Frey at SAM linebacker.

Randle was one of the more celebrated recruits out of high school in Battle Creek, Mich., and even earned a trip to the Army All-American Game. He redshirted as a freshman but seems poised to break out in 2018.

Tyriq Thompson is pushing Randle for the starting job and could be a breakout candidate in his own regard, but the two could be a solid one-two punch at SAM.

Randle has the athleticism and pass-rushing ability to be a stud for the Spartans this fall.