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Michigan State football: 5 position battles to watch as 2018 fall camp begins

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Tight end Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 27-23 in the college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Tight end Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 27-23 in the college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 28: Brandon Randle #26 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – OCTOBER 28: Brandon Randle #26 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against Rashawn Slater #70 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Sam linebacker

With the departure of Chris Frey, a huge spot opened up in the middle of the defense at the Sam linebacker position. Who will take over? That has yet to be decided.

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This, however, could be the most critical position battle to watch this fall as whoever wins the job here will serve as one of the most important defenders on the team. Frey happened to be an aggressive Sam linebacker who wasn’t afraid to rush the quarterback and get dirty, so it’ll be tough to match that intensity.

All signs pointed to sophomore Antjuan Simmons following the 2017 campaign, but it looks as if he may be making the switch to Mike linebacker, leaving the spot open for a veteran like Tyriq Thompson. The former three-star recruit from Detroit has been patiently waiting for his turn, but this is his best opportunity to date.

We could still see Simmons take over that role, but Thompson is the current favorite.

Another name to keep an eye on is Brandon Randle. The former Army All-American was stuck between two positions last season, making the move to defensive end, and back.

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Randle has the tools to become an excellent pass rusher and even better linebacker, but he has an uphill battle to fight with Thompson. These two could put together an incredible position battle in fall camp.

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