Spartans Offer One of the Best LBs in the Country

The Michigan State Spartans love their linebackers. Too much. The 2025 class features two standouts in DJ White and Di’Mari Malone, both high-ceiling talents from the state.

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Joe Rossi has a keen eye for talent when it comes to the position, and how he uses those talents in his defense predictably reflects the prototypical linebacker.

“He’s tall, athletic and smart,” Rossi told reporters earlier this fall. “That’s what we’re looking for, and it’s a sliding scale, okay. And what I mean by that is, if a guy’s 6-foot-4 and he’s running 4-foot-4, that’s great. But if you’re going to be under 4-foot-3, 6-foot-3, You better be a size 5. My point is, it’s skating, but ideally, if I’m just giving you three, it’s length, athleticism and intelligence, not necessarily in that order.”

He needs more from his middle linebackers, especially Mike.

“I think some of it has to do with leadership, but from a physical standpoint you have to have guys who are comfortable in space,” Rossi said. “You wouldn’t even think I’d say this when you’re starting with Mike, but you know, Mike is always out of the box in the three-point formation, and so the guy has to be physical and be able to stop the run, I got all that. You know, if you’re getting hired as Mike, you have to have those skills.” , but you have to be comfortable with coverage. It doesn’t mean you’re always playing man-to-man with people, but it just means you have to be able to get out there and play in space and function. It’s us in terms of position.”

Recently, Rossi presented a potential bid that is equipped to do both. 2027 linebacker Taven Epps is almost unanimously ranked in the Top 100 and is the highest prospect a four-star recruit can go. The Tustin, California product is already 6 feet tall and 210 pounds.

On 247Sports, Epps is listed as the No. 3 defenseman in his class and is ranked No. 2 in the composite rankings. Epps already has 19 offers from some of the nation’s top programs.

“Epps is one of the most versatile defenders in the country,” the scouting report reads. Greg Biggins of 247Sports. “He played safety last season for the Tillers, but will play linebacker this season and has the potential to develop into a forward rusher when he’s ready for college. Epps, 6-4, 210 pounds, is a jumbo athlete who runs well and plays a physical game. He has a basketball background and has athleticism on the hardwood.” He also excels in space and should be a dominant pass rusher in blitz situations this fall.”

Michael France is Sports Illustrated’s Michigan State recruiting beat writer and covers all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.

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