During the Mark Dantonio era, Michigan State football was known for its stellar defenses.
The Spartans were known for suffocating opponents, but the offense was a different story. Nowadays, it feels like the script has flipped completely with the defense struggling mightily under Joe Rossi’s control and the offense looking more impressive by the week.
I guess that’s what happens when you transition from a defensive-minded coach to a former quarterback who’s known for developing gunslingers.
There were some unsung heroes on those late-Dantonio era defenses that never really got the credit they deserved. One of them was linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle. He played primarily as a backup, but he managed to account for 31 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in limited action over three years. He was a solid depth piece who never got enough love.
After the 2019 season, he transferred to Texas Tech. Then he transferred to Connecticut to end his collegiate career in 2022.
Now, his brother might just carry the torch in East Lansing. Over the weekend, the staff extended an offer to Aroson Randle Jr., the younger brother of Brandon.
Michigan State offer a family affair for ‘27 LB Aroson Randle..
— Jason Killop (@JasonKillop) September 29, 2025
“It’s all a full circle moment for me. I still have videos of me practicing with them as a kid when my brother was a freshman.”
(On3+): https://t.co/PjgN2liWhs pic.twitter.com/aojONp5WOG
Jonathan Smith and Co. like what they see from the 2027 linebacker from Garner, N.C., who is yet to be ranked.
Randle talked to On3’s Jason Killop about how he remembers growing up around the Michigan State program and how he practiced with the team while Dantonio was still the head coach. This would be a really cool commitment if Smith is able to secure it.
The unranked 2027 linebacker holds 11 offers, per 247Sports, from the likes of Mississippi State, UNLV, Duke, and East Carolina, among others.