Apart from the sounds of cracking pads and barking coaches, Chris Frey’s voice probably carries most across Michigan State’s practice fields. Sometimes he’s sharing words of encouragement and motivation, and sometimes he’s yelling at himself for a rep gone wrong. Regardless, it’s clear the senior linebacker has taken on a position of heavy responsibility.
Source: Land of 10
“I feel like even just being a senior, you got to be able to help the young guys out,” redshirt senior Shane Jones said. “In regards to (linebackers), we got to help our young guys out. We got to make sure that they’re able to play and play fast. For me, it’s just being vocal, trying to help them out as much as I can, being there for them and that’s what a senior is supposed to be. They’re supposed to be there for the younger guys and help them out.” There are five upperclassmen and nine underclassmen linebackers on this year’s roster. The depth at the position is a factor in Jones’ confidence in the unit entering the regular season.
Source: The State News
Mike Tressel always has been a high-intensity coach. That shouldn’t change now that Michigan State’s co-defensive coordinator has resumed coaching linebackers, a position group that’s expected to be among the Spartans’ deepest and most experienced this season.
Source: Detroit Free Press
For Michigan State to rebound from 2016, its defense will have to make drastic improvements in 2017. Across the board, the Spartans struggled defensively on the way to a 3-9 record. MSU’s lack of pass rush contributed to the ineffectiveness of a vulnerable secondary, and vice versa. Meanwhile, Michigan State got some solid linebacker play, but it was inconsistent because of injuries and general up-and-down performance.
Source: Spartan Tailgate
Back to the defensive side of the ball today, as we take a look at who could be the next big thing in the secondary for Michigan State. This is another group that has seen some key pieces from the last few years move on. Safeties Demetrious Cox and Montae Nicholson are gone, as is corner Darian Hicks. All three of them had been starters at some point during their Spartan careers.
Source: The Only Colors
There are certainly some holes to fill with the graduation of Riley Bullough and the departure of Jon Reschke from the program. While whoever wins the “Mike” linebacker spot in the middle will likely get a lot of attention, I believe it’s one of the outside spots that presents us our contender to be the next big thing at linebacker.
Source: The Only Colors