Breaking down the Class of 2014: Linebackers

After losing Max Bullough and Denicos Allen to graduation, the Spartans will get to see some fresh faces at the linebacker position this fall. Wrapping up the incoming freshman class on the defensive side of the ball, let’s take a look at the linebackers in the class of 2014.

* * *

OLB Chris Frey, Upper Arlington H.S. (Columbus, Ohio)

One of two early enrollees, Frey is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound outside linebacker. He saw the field briefly in the spring game, and made two tackles.

LB Byron Bullough, St. Francis H.S. (Traverse City, Mich.)

Byron will be the last of a generation of Bulloughs, with his brother Max hoping to succeed in the NFL and his brother Riley likely to be joining him at the linebacker position. Byron has gotten bigger since the end of last year, currently weighing in at 230 pounds. The 6-foot-1 athlete is likely to redshirt this year given the Spartans’ depth at the linebacker position.

ILB Deon Drake, Cass Technical H.S. (Detroit, Mich.)

This 6-foot-1, 220-pound inside linebacker was a highly sought-after recruit. Drake chose MSU over Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and several other schools.

LB T.J. Harrell, Tampa Catholic H.S. (Tampa, Fla.)

Pat Narduzzi announced shortly after signing day that Harrell will play linebacker for the Spartans, although he was originally recruited as a defensive back.


Bradley Allen is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports