Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart predictions for 2021

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Jalen Nailor, left, runs to the sideline with teammates during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 033a
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor, left, runs to the sideline with teammates during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 033a /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
Nov 14, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Stevie Scott III (8) runs the ball as Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chase Kline (21) attempts to tackle during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Stevie Scott III (8) runs the ball as Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chase Kline (21) attempts to tackle during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers

Starting OLB: Chase Kline
Backup: Itayvion Brown OR Ben VanSumeren

I’m a big believer in Chase Kline and I think he’s the top option when the season begins to start at outside linebacker. Don’t be surprised if Minnesota transfer Itayvion Brown or Michigan (yes, that Michigan) transfer Ben VanSumeren push him for the starting job.

The most intriguing option here would have to be Brown because he has elite pass-rusher written all over him but take one look at VanSumeren and you’ll realize he’s built to be a starting linebacker in the Big Ten. Right now, I’m going with Kline who has been a Spartan the longest and has been waiting his turn, but Brown and VanSumeren help make this position a strength.

Starting Mike linebacker: Quavaris Crouch
Backup: Noah Harvey

While Noah Harvey was the starter last season, Mel Tucker hit the portal hard looking for a linebacker for a reason. That’s where Quavaris Crouch comes in.

The former four-star and Tennessee transfer came to college as one of the best running back recruits in the country but wanted to make the switch to linebacker to extend the length of his career. He, like VanSumeren, just has that look of a starting linebacker and he’s going to get the nod in the middle of this defense. With the right coaching, he’s going to become one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten.

Home/Spartans Football