The Michigan State Spartans are going to have to start looking for a new leader on the defensive side of the ball after losing a key piece to their linebacker corps. Senior linebacker Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery at the team’s first full pads practice on Wednesday.
According to College Spun, the team announced the injury late Wednesday night and confirmed that it will keep the starting linebacker out for the season. The team announced it via Twitter.
LB Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through Wednesday’s first preseason practice in full pads. #Spartans
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
A post-practice MRI confirmed the injury will require surgery. #Spartans
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Head Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio commented on the situation saying that it is a huge loss for the team, but it will also give other players a chance to step up and make an impact.
Dantonio: We’re so disappointed for Ed Davis, & his presence in the lineup will be missed. Ed is a tremendous playmaker & a solid leader.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Dantonio: He will still have an important role on this team, & he might have the opportunity to qualify for a sixth year of eligibility.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Dantonio: Our program has faced adversity before, so now it’s time to adopt the ‘next man up’ mentality. …
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Dantonio: Ed’s season-ending injury provides others with an opportunity to have a positive impact on this team. #Spartans
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Davis started twelve games for the Spartans as a redshirt junior last season and recorded fifty-eight tackles for the team. Who will step up and take Davis’s spot for the opening game on September 5 against Western Michigan? We will have to wait and find out.
We wish Davis a quick and full recovery.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY High School Sports