Michigan State Football: 10 storylines to follow ahead of 2018 season

7. Who starts at Sam linebacker?

Right now, Joe Bachie and Andrew Dowell have sewn up two of the three linebacker positions. 

Bachie is an All-American talent who finished with third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 and returns as one of the top linebackers in college football. He’ll be the leader in the middle of the defense as the Mike linebacker and there’s a good chance he finishes the year with over 100 tackles again. His backup would be another good storyline to follow.

At Star, Dowell is entering his fourth year with starting experience. He’s now a senior and has gotten solid playing time at the outside linebacker spot each season and is looking to piece together his most impressive showing yet. He’s an athletic kid who moves sideline-to-sideline well and isn’t afraid to step up in the run game and plug holes. He needs more consistency, though.

However, who will start at Sam linebacker, replacing Chris Frey?

That’s one of the most underrated storylines people should be following this fall, but it gets swept under the rug because the linebackers haven’t been a weakness — ranked No. 2 in college football against the run last season.

Three candidates stand out. One is Antjuan Simmons, a sophomore who was previously committed to Ohio State. He’s a hard-hitting kid with elite athleticism. Brandon Randle, too, has top-tier athletic abilities, but he has been shuffling back and forth between defensive end and linebacker. Lastly, Tyriq Thompson may be the top option, entering his junior year. He’s a strong linebacker who has been waiting patiently for his shot.

So who will take over that third linebacker spot and hold onto it?