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Michigan State Football: 3 signees who’ll have instant impacts in 2021

By Connor Muldowney

STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans looks on before the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Michigan State Spartans looks on before the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Much like the secondary, the linebacking unit took a massive hit this offseason with Antjuan Simmons graduating and a handful of guys transferring like Luke Fulton, Marcel Lewis and Jeslord Boateng. That’s going to hurt depth a bit, but luckily with a 4-2-5 defense, the Spartans will only have to worry about two positions here.

Also on the positive side of things, Ma’a Gaoteote flipped from USC to Michigan State during the early signing period and he’s one of the best linebacker prospects in the country.

In fact, Ma’a is ranked the No. 160 overall prospect in the country and the 10th-best outside linebacker, according to the composite on 247Sports. He is regarded as one of the best prospects from the west and should see the field right away, especially since Mel Tucker fought hard to flip him.

Tucker knew he’d be needing linebackers for 2021 and Gaoteote felt the fit was perfect and the early playing time was imminent.

Expect Gaoteote to crack the two-deep to start the 2021 season and if his brother transfers in, they could make one heck of a duo in a 4-2-5 look.

Next. Way-too-early depth chart projection for 2021. dark

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