Michigan State Football: Expect Defense to Remain Elite
Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) looks over the Michigan Wolverines offense during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Linebackers
Losing Ed Davis is disappointing even to a defense as strong as MSU’s, but the Spartans have the talent to lighten this blow and make the proper adjustments. Davis’ mobility, athleticism and leadership is a loss but MSU will still have adequate replacement options to choose from.
“We’re so disappointed for Ed Davis, and his presence in the lineup will be missed,” –Mark Dantonio
Redshirt Soph. ILB
is in consideration to fill the gap at strong side linebacker as well as true Sophomore OLB
. While Reschke appears to lack the size of Davis, he’s a smart linebacker who makes quick decisions and has good athleticism himself. Reschke can a bit questionable in the pass game.
Frey is my personal favorite to win the job. This guy plays football angry and has self-described himself as a psychopath on the field. Here’s a peek at that intensity:
Obviously he’ll try not get ejected again in 2015 but Frey is very capable in coverage and is a great athlete so he definitely will have a case for himself for the starting “Sam” Linebacker spot.
Darien Harris is the star of this unit on the weak side and is another very mobile guy who can make plays. The 5th year Senior came up with a career high 48 tackles last year and will be a tackle leader next season for the Spartans
Riley Bullough plays like a Bullough. He’s a tough tackler, gives an all-out effort and is leader for this defense. Redshirt Junior Bullough will fill in as the “Mike” middle linebacker this year with Taiwan Jones graduated and with the Jets. He has his work cut out as far as replicating Jones’ production, but Bullough will do whatever he can to bring what he can to middle linebacker.
He touched on getting the younger guys in this linebacker group ready to go when the year begins now that Ed Davis is out. Harris too mentioned helping out the younger to stay grounded as the season approaches. So the loss of their Sam Linebacker is apparently being handled by the team as well as possible which is a positive sign moving forward.
Mike Tressel, the Spartans LB Coach last season, has taken over on-field Defensive Coordinator duties and will be handing his old job over to former Texas A&M Coordinator Special Teams and Linebacker Coach Mark Snyder. He’s been praised by the media as a good hire for MSU and should do his best job at grooming the replacement on the strong side to solidify the backer group.
Expect Davis’ replacement to make mistakes due to lack of experience, but overall this is a solid unit, barring another injured starter.
Next: Secondary