Michigan State Football: 3 breakout candidates for spring 2020
![EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 09: Tre Mosley #17 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first half touchdown catch with teammates while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini at Spartan Stadium on November 09, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 09: Tre Mosley #17 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first half touchdown catch with teammates while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini at Spartan Stadium on November 09, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/57da740074d8da67e544603bb7e874179eee7931742b6b87439a99336b552e24.jpg)
Mel Tucker’s defense needs a new captain after the departure of three year starter Joe Bachie. This is where Noah Harvey comes in.
Harvey started five games after Bachie was suspended for a failed drug test and had some impressive outings, including his first start against Illinois where he recorded nine total tackles, with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also ended the season with a 14-tackle performance against Wake Forest in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Linebacker is an important position that will need to be addressed, with Bachie and fellow senior backer Tyriq Thompson finishing their Spartan careers.
Going into his junior season, Harvey figures to be the starting Mike linebacker. When it comes to the Spartan defense, especially the linebacker position, they’ve been fortunate to be able to plug and play guys and they go on to have special careers. Harvey is the next in line to be a special player for the always tough MSU defense.