MSU Football Position Group Breakdown: Linebackers

Football is right around the corner. Michigan State is on a mission to bounce back this season after falling short of their goals in 2022. Getting back on track starts against Central Michigan in less than a month.

MSU’s defensive unit as a whole is looking to improve. Injuries and suspensions plagued the Spartans throughout last season. With nearly everyone back, Michigan State looks to make a jump.

Today we dive into arguably the deepest and most talented position group for the Spartans: Linebacker

Projected Starters

Redshirt junior Cal Haladay will return to start for his third straight season. The second team All-Big Ten selection returns with over 200 career tackles for the Spartans. Haladay has emerged as a leader of the defense and is on both the Butkus Award watchlist for the best linebacker in the country, and the Nagurki Award watchlist for best defensive player in the nation.

Michigan State’s other starter at linebacker could depend on some varying factors. Redshirt senior Jacoby Windmon would be the easy choice to start alongside Haladay. But scheme, other players' performances, or injuries could see Windmon moving to an edge rusher position. Windmon played both defensive end and linebacker last year, and was a standout at both positions, but his natural position is linebacker and that figures to be where he’ll play most in 2023.

In situations where Windmon plays on the edge, sixth-year senior Aaron Brule would fill the other linebacker spot. Redshirt junior Darius Snow is another player who will work his way into the linebacker rotation. Coming off an injury, there is no set date on his return, but Snow will crack the rotation when healthy. Snow brings more speed and coverage ability to the position which would help on passing downs.

Under the Radar Player

Freshman Jordan Hall would normally be a candidate here, but he isn’t flying under the radar after a big spring in East Lansing. However, junior Ma’a Gaoteote is a linebacker who is under the radar this season. A former four-star recruit, the Nevade native hasn’t been talked about much with how deep Michigan State has been at the position over the past several years. Tucker spoke highly of Gaoteote at Big Ten Media Days, noting the junior’s improvement this offseason.

Gaoteote has been used in different defensive packages since his freshman year, so he has some experience. But this could be the year he breaks in the rotation in earnest, backing up Haladay. Gaoteote’s emergence gives defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton a lot to work with.

How This Group Can Improve

There are six trusted players to play in two spots. This linebacker group has Haladay, Windmon, Brule, Gaoteote, Hall and potentially Snow. That’s five options with experience and one freshman who could play right away.

Finding the correct rotation for this group will be a key factor for Hazelton’s defense. The wide range of options is a great asset for the defensive coordinator, but Hazelton needs to be able to mix and match the linebackers to best face the situation presented to Michigan State’s defense. Haladay and Windmon are best suited against the run, while Windmon, Brule and Snow (when healthy) are better on passing downs. Gaoteote and Hall bring athleticism and versatility to the position, and could be suitable backups in either situation.

If Hazelton plays his cards right, there are a ton of ways for Michigan State to be disruptive to opposing offenses with their linebacker corp. Getting the right players on the field at the right time is key for the Spartans defensively this season.

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