Michigan State Football: 5 upperclassmen poised for 2018 breakout

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COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 15: A Michigan State Spartans helmet on the bench during a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium on November 15, 2014 in College Park, Maryland. The Spartans won 37-15. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Tyriq Thompson committed to Michigan State back in 2015 as one of the best linebackers in country and the No. 5 recruit in the state of Michigan, per 247Sports. However, he was buried in a loaded depth chart and didn’t see much action as a redshirt freshman in 2016 nor as a sophomore in 2017.

With Chris Frey graduating, the starting job at Sam linebacker has opened up and the early favorites were Antjuan Simmons, who has since shifted to middle linebacker, and Brandon Randle. In spring ball, though, Thompson rose to the top of the depth chart and played like a starter.

Thompson went from mostly a special teams player in 2016 to playing in 12 games as a sophomore, finishing with 11 tackles and 0.5 for loss. He could see that production improve tenfold and become one of the best defenders on the team, especially if he wins that starting job.

The 6-1, 244-pound linebacker from Detroit (Mich.) King has patiently waited for his turn and he’s approaching a season in which he could have an extended impact.

We have yet to see what Thompson can bring to the table.

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