Potential Trouble at Linebacker in 2014

The loss of several linebackers after this season has been mentioned by various people in MSU web circles, but this situation has the potential to turn into a major problem for 2014.  Here is a list of the 11 linebackers currently on the roster.


48 Pat Rhomberg     LB 6-0 225 SO Columbus, Ohio - Bishop Watterson
34 Taiwan Jones     LB 6-3 240 JR New Baltimore, Mich. - Anchor Bay
28 Denicos Allen     LB 5-11 215 SR Hamilton, Ohio - Hamilton
40 Max Bullough     LB 6-3 242 SR Traverse City, Mich. - St. Francis
19 Danny Folino     LB 5-9 206 SR Okemos, Mich. - East Lansing
30 Riley Bullough     LB 6-2 232 RS FR Traverse City, Mich. - St. Francis
43 Ed Davis             LB       6-3 220 SO Detroit, Mich. - Southeastern
81 Matthew Eleweke  LB       6-3 205 RS FR Detroit, Mich. - University of Detroit Jesuit
45 Darien Harris     LB 6-0 215 SO Silver Spring, Md. - DeMatha Catholic
41 Kyler Elsworth     LB 6-1 222 SR Goodrich, Mich. - Goodrich
23 Jairus Jones     LB/S 6-1 208 SR Tampa, Fla. - Wharton

As you can see, there are 5 seniors who obviously will be leaving after this season.  Then there is the possibility that Taiwan Jones could leave early, if he has a breakout year.  And then, there is also the possibility that Riley Bullough has to make the permanent transition to running back, if none of the incoming freshmen is able to emerge. Right now, Bullough is the most effective running back on the roster and there is a real possibility that he may still be the most effective come fall, and even come 2014.

Folks, that all adds up to a potential loss of 7 out of 11 current linebackers.  The 2013 recruiting class will help a little, by adding 2 certain linebackers: Shane Jones and Jon Reschke. After that, there is the possibility that Delton Williams could move to linebacker, if he doesn't work out at running back.  The coaches seem to recognize the problem and have already recruited 3 linebackers in the 2014 class, and they could even try to add a 4rth.  But, of course, all of the linebackers in the 2014 class will be freshmen.

So there is a distinct possibility that the Spartans could end up with a relatively thin and inexperienced linebacker unit for 2014.  On the other hand, if Taiwan Jones stays and Riley Bullough is able to move back to defense, then we could see another elite group of linebackers taking the field for the Spartans in 2014.  There's such a fine line between anxiety and bliss in college football.