Spring Outlook: The Linebackers

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State is in week two of Spring Football practice. Here is a preview of the linebackers.

Linebackers

Synopsis
Iowa State has the luxury of returning two players with a combined 24 starts in its linebacking corps for 2017 in Willie Harvey (6-0, 225, Jr.#, Hastings, Fla.), and Reggan Northrup (6-1, 205, Jr.#, Jacksonville, Fla.).

Besides that group, the Cyclones are thin in experience and will utilize spring drills to see who stands out.

A bright spot for ISU in 2016 was the emergence of Harvey as an elite defender in the Big 12. Harvey, who plays at the Will, led the team in tackles (78) to help him earn honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades. He was also second on the team in TFL (7.5) and tied for eighth in the Big 12 with two forced fumbles.

Campbell is excited to watch the continued progression of Harvey, who has 17 career starts under his belt.

Northrup started four games last season and has seven career starts and 82 career tackles.

A surprise contributor in 2016 was Jack Spreen (6-1, 215, Sr.#, Bedford, Ind.), a former walk-on who was placed on scholarship right after fall camp. Spreen played in all 12 games and tallied 11 tackles.

Two players, Bobby McMillen III (6-1, 230, So.#, Naperville, Ill.) and Marcel Spears Jr. (6-1, 222, So.#, Olathe, Kan.), saw action as reserves and special teams in 2016. Keep an eye out on their progress.

Another player to watch is Tymar Sutton (5-10, 230, Fr.#, McKeesport, Pa.). Campbell hinted he was capable of playing as a true freshman in 2016 before ultimately deciding to let him sit out as a redshirt.

Campbell On The Linebackers
"At linebacker, we are centered around the development and growth of Willie Harvey. He showed flashes a year ago of being a high-end football player. I think we've all been really pleasantly surprised with the winter Willie has had so far. Reggan Northrup and Marcel Spears have a chance to be contributors on our football team. We need to find out if they are ready to sustain consistency on a Big 12 level for us. The same with Bobby McMillen and Tymar Sutton. Are they ready to take that next step in their careers - either on special teams or linebacker - to be guys that can help us play? All of these guys have have stood out in the winter."

Players Mentioned

Willie Harvey

Bobby McMillen III

Reggan Northrup

Marcel Spears Jr.

Jack Spreen

Tymar Sutton

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