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Michigan State Football: Projected Spartans’ 2-deep depth chart for 2019

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – AUGUST 31: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a late fourth quarter interception while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 38-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – AUGUST 31: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a late fourth quarter interception while playing the Utah State Aggies at Spartan Stadium on August 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 38-31. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting Mike linebacker: Joe Bachie
Backup: Tyriq Thompson OR Ed Warinner

Joe Bachie has been a staple of the linebacker unit for a few years now and he’ll enter the 2019 season as a third-year starter and likely second-year captain. He is the perfect leader — vocally and with his play — and should take another leap in 2019 as a potential All-American candidate. Some consider him the best linebacker in the Big Ten.

The staff isn’t sold on a younger guy like redshirt freshman Ed Warinner backing him up just yet, so Tyriq Thompson has been getting reps.

Starting Sam linebacker: Tyriq Thompson
Backup: Brandon Bouyer-Randle

Speaking of Thompson, he’s back for his second year in a row as the starter and should put up even bigger numbers than his 31 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception from last season. He’s got the size and the athleticism to make a difference and he can be a punishing outside linebacker with decent coverage skills. Don’t cross him in open space.

Brandon Bouyer-Randle could come in on blitz packages but he’s also more than capable of filling it as a starter. He’ll be that No. 1 guy in 2020.

Starting Star linebacker: Antjuan Simmons
Backup: Jeslord Boateng

There’s plenty of excitement surrounding Antjuan Simmons as he enters year No. 3. He’s an athletic guy with strength, quickness and a knack for getting to the ball in a hurry. He’s a hard hitter and someone who is always willing to learn. He’s getting comfortable at the Star position and is taking over for Andrew Dowell who graduated after the 2018 season.

Backing him up will be redshirt freshman Jeslord Boateng who has received heaps of praise this offseason. He’s a breakout candidate to watch in the linebacking corps.

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