Michigan State Spartans Football Preview: Linebackers
The position by position preview for the Michigan State Spartans football makes a stop at the linebackers.
The group of linebackers that Michigan State possesses is widely considered to be one of, if not, the best groups in the country. The Spartans return 2 star starters in Max Bullough and Denicos Allen and also bring back Taiwan Jones. Jones played backup to Chris Norman most of the season and showed star potential. The linebacker position is stacked with great backups at every position that includes Kyler Ellsworth at outside linebacker, Darien Harris at the other outside linebacker, and incoming freshman Jon Reschke at middle linebacker.
Max Bullough came to Michigan State from Traverse City St. Francis High School in Traverse City, Michigan (Duh). Max was a highly rated recruit and one of the top players at his position in the country. It was no surprise that Bullough chose Michigan State, both his dad and grandpa played football at Michigan State. Since stepping foot on campus, Bullough has been a mainstay at middle linebacker. After spending his first season backing up Greg Jones, Bullough took the starting job over his sophomore season and led the defense to new heights. When its all said and done, Bullough will go down as one of the best linebackers in Michigan State history. He will be a top 3 round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Denicos Allen came to Michigan State as a 2 star recruit out of Ohio. All Allen has done since stepping foot on campus is take a redshirt season in 2009, play all 13 games in 2010 mostly on special teams but also backed up Chris Norman at outside linebacker, started at outside linebacker in 2011 as a redshirt sophomore recording 11 sacks, and started once again in 2012 recording 79 tackles, according to msuspartans.com. Allen does have one thing against him; his size. At his 5’11” 215lb frame, Allen isn’t your prototypical linebacker, but he possesses great speed and is a ball hawk. NFL Scouts may doubt his size at the next level, but I think he’ll be drafted in the middle rounds and be a solid contributor at linebacker.
The linebackers for Michigan State in 2013 will once again be one of the best in the nation. Max and Denicos will continue to be dominant, and new starter Taiwan Jones will be a breakout star.
Read The Rest Of The Michigan State Spartans Football Preview:
Michigan State Spartans Football QB Preview
Michigan State Spartans Football RB Preview
Michigan State Spartans Football WR/TE Preview