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Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart after spring 2019

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdwon while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdwon while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football under pressure from linebacker Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Eno Benjamin #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football under pressure from linebacker Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Sam linebacker: Tyriq Thompson
Backup: Brandon Bouyer-Randle

One player that has been patient throughout his Michigan State career and has reaped the benefits is Tyriq Thompson. He took over as a starter last season and finished with 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception and he’s back as one of the leaders of the defense at Sam linebacker this year. He’ll be flanked by junior Brandon Bouyer-Randle who is an underrated pass rusher and who could be the perfect backup for blitz packages, prepping to take over as starter next year.

More from Spartans Football

Mike linebacker: Joe Bachie
Backup: Tyriq Thompson

This one is no surprise. Joe Bachie is an All-Big Ten linebacker and he, too, had a chance to declare for the NFL draft but came back for unfinished business. He had 102 tackles, making it back-to-back seasons with 100 tackles. He is one of the best linebackers in the country and is undoubtedly the starter here. You may be wondering why Tyriq Thompson’s name is there, and it’s because he’s been taking reps at Mike linebacker this spring, so if Bachie were to go down or need a break, there’s a good chance you’ll see him in there.

Star linebacker: Antjuan Simmons
Backup: Chase Kline

Antjuan Simmons is one of the more exciting young players on the team. I say young because it feels like he’s barely seen any action in his two years on the team, but he’s entering his junior season and it’s his time to shine. He’s aggressive, quick and has an incredibly high motor. He’ll be backed up by a guy who had a strong spring in Chase Kline, or at least that’s how it should be. He looked like the next great Spartan linebacker as a redshirt freshman.

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