Lack of depth and injuries hasn’t been a major problem for MSU at most positions this season.
But MSU head coach Bobby Williams is quick to point out the team hasn’t been completely free of problems.
Williams said he wants to have depth at the linebacker positions.
“I have a big concern about the number of linebackers we are using,” he said.
“I think we need to start utilizing our linebackers just a little bit more.
“We’re going to have to get some more linebackers playing, get some more guys playing in special teams and take some of those starters out of there a little bit to give them a blow.”
Freshman linebacker Seth Mitchell could be the person to help the Spartans in the linebacker department.
Mitchell entered the program last year as one of the most prized out-of-state recruits and garnered much praise from the MSU coaching staff.
After a senior season in which he made 146 tackles, nine sacks and six interceptions at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Md., Mitchell was a SuperPrep All-American and rated as the No. 20 linebacker in the country.
But Mitchell didn’t play a game last season and was granted a medical redshirt after spraining his right knee.
This season, Mitchell has not participated in a play because he’s bothered by his knee again.
In the Northwestern game, he was listed as probable and ran out on the field to play.
But personnel changes by the Wildcats prevented him from participating.
This week, Mitchell also is listed as probable.
He has declined all media interviews until he plays for the green and white.
“We’re going to look to get him involved a little bit more,” Williams said during the bye week.
“We’re going to look at him this week and get him in position to play.”
Mixing Mitchell into the linebacker rotation would give the starting linebackers a chance to catch a breather.
Junior middle linebacker Mike Labinjo and junior strong-side linebacker Monquiz Wedlow also play on special teams.
MSU defensive coordinator Bill Miller said working Mitchell into the lineup will be gradual.
The 6-foot-2, 244-pounder is practicing at both the middle and strong-side linebacker positions.
And Mitchell’s presence could allow Labinjo to play outside linebacker more often.
“We all want him back,” Miller said.
“I think he’s getting stronger and coming along.”
