Michigan State Football: Brandon Randle has scary potential

The linebacker spots are essentially filled up, but why is no one talking about Brandon Randle? The Michigan State football sophomore has crazy potential.

Brandon Randle is one of those guys who is just too talented to keep off the field. Buried on the depth chart at linebacker in 2017, the coaching staff decided to move him over to defensive end to get him on the field as a redshirt freshman.

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Though the former Army All-American played in just seven games, he made his presence known, pressuring opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis and finishing the season with five tackles, a sack and a pass deflection. His numbers weren’t at all eye-popping, but the linebacker turned defensive end turned linebacker again did what he could in limited action.

During the spring game, the Sam linebacker showed what he could do with extended playing time. He provided a solid pass rush and he could be that blitzing, aggressive linebacker that Chris Frey was. Randle, though, has an even higher ceiling than Frey.

Randle’s athleticism, coupled with his versatility, make him one of the most enticing linebackers of the Mark Dantonio era. He has all the pieces to take over for Frey, but finds himself in an intense battle with junior linebacker Tyriq Thompson for the starting job.

As a high school prospect, Randle was a hard-hitting, do-it-all linebacker who was in on every play. Expect much of the same this season if he’s given an opportunity to compete.

Though Thompson may be favored to win the starting job, Mike Tressel has already stated he’s excited about his linebackers and mentioned Randle as a serious contender for the No. 1 job. His potential is sky-high.