Michigan State Football: Tyriq Thompson finally getting his opportunity

Tyriq Thompson has waited his turn at the Sam linebacker position for Michigan State football, but he’s finally getting his opportunity.

Tyriq Thompson finally finds himself in a battle he has been long waiting for. He’s ready to fight for the starting Sam linebacker job after the departure of Chris Frey, and that’s something he’s been patiently waiting for since stepping foot on campus four years ago.

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The junior linebacker has played in 23 career games, accruing with 17 total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, but the Detroit-native now has a chance he’s never had before: winning the starting job.

Brandon Randle is his biggest competition at this point in preseason ball, but Thompson looks like the favorite to start.

No one knows what to expect from the linebacker who has had a chance to learn behind some of Michigan State’s best in the Mark Dantonio era, but if he’s absorbed any knowledge from his predecessors, the Spartans will be in good hands.

Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 245 pounds, Thompson is on the bigger side of things, but he has the strength to be a human hit-stick. Will his athleticism hold him back? Probably not, he’s always been a solid athlete but we’ll see how he uses that weight.

While fans are excited for Randle’s extreme potential and athleticism, Thompson brings with him a high football IQ, experience and a will to win. He’s been waiting four years for this.

With the opportunity finally presenting itself, what will Thompson do as the starting Sam linebacker? Big things are expected.