Depth and versatility make linebackers a strength at MSU

10:16 AM ET

Michigan State linebacker Jon Reschke is taking his game to new heights this spring by aiming just a couple feet higher.

Three times during a team scrimmage last week, according to co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel, Reschke planted his facemask into the chest of an oncoming ball carrier and sent him careening in the other direction.

“A lot of times he does a great job of taking out legs,” Tressel said. “But not very often do you see him put his face right between the numbers and knock people backwards. You saw that over and over in this most recent scrimmage. At some point he decided last year wasn’t good enough, ‘I’m going to be even better,’ and tackling in particular has really improved.”

Reschke started 14 games last season at Michigan State’s “money” linebacker position. He moved to the outside from the inside to replace senior Ed Davis, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in August. The injury was a big blow at the time, but in hindsight has been the catalyst for creating the deepest and most flexible group of linebackers the Spartans have fielded in a while.

Reschke and fellow junior Chris Frey tag-teamed Davis’ vacant spot and gained valuable experience as underclassmen. Reschke made 75 tackles and two sacks last season. Frey …

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