Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2018

Linebackers

Michigan State has some strong young pieces at linebacker, but the veteran leadership is unmistakable. Returning are two starters from a season ago along with Jon Reschke who was removed from the team during the 2017 season for reported degrading remarks directed at a teammate. He may not be the starter, but he’ll be in the regular rotation.

Starting Sam linebacker: Tyriq Thompson
Backup: Brandon Randle OR Jon Reschke

This position is still technically up for grabs. The Sam linebacker position has been left vacant by Chris Frey but junior Tyriq Thompson is poised to take over after waiting his turn. Brandon Randle has moved around from end to linebacker and he’s back here full-time and could battle Thompson for the starting job. Jon Reschke will be right up there with both of them, splitting snaps.

Starting Mike linebacker: Joe Bachie
Backup: Byron Bullough

All-Big Ten first-team has Joe Bachie’s name written all over it. Though he was just a third-teamer last season, he’s arguably the best linebacker in the conference, along with Michigan’s Devin Bush, and could break 100 tackles for the second straight year. He’ll be a captain and his backup has some good bloodlines as the brother of both Max and Riley Bullough. Could Byron Bullough finally make a name for himself?

Starting Star linebacker: Andrew Dowell
Backup: Antjuan Simmons

For the fourth straight year, Andrew Dowell will find himself spending time in the starting lineup at Star linebacker. Though he has struggled with consistency, he’s a force to be reckoned with and is often overlooked. His backup will be sophomore Antjuan Simmons who is being groomed to replace Dowell next year. He’s got all the pieces to be a beast at linebacker for the green and white.