All-time Michigan State football defensive starters from Mark Dantonio era

Linebacker 1: Max Bullough

Next up are the linebackers and with my first selection I’m going with someone from one of the most iconic Michigan State football families in Max Bullough.

The two-time captain was a staple in the linebacker room from 2010-2013 as a three year starter. Bullough finished his career with 299 tackles with 30.5 for a loss and eight sacks. He was also excellent in coverage and recorded three interceptions and eight pass breakups.

Bullough was also a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two seasons and was a third-team All-American as a senior.

However, arguably the best part of his game was his leadership, which you’ll find is a common theme among the players selected to this team. But that’s part of the reason why Dantonio’s defenses were so good. Elite players with elite leadership qualities tends to work out pretty well, and that’s exactly what we witnessed for many years at Michigan State.