Michigan State names its 2018 football captains

The Michigan State Spartans have named captains for the 2018 season. Quarterback Brian Lewerke, linebacker Joe Bachie and safety Khari Willis make up this year’s group.

This is not at all surprising, and is the right decision for the Spartans. Willis is a senior and was expected to be a near lock for the honor. His teammates have been referring to him as “captain” all offseason long. He was also the keynote speaker at the Big Ten Media Days Kickoff Luncheon.

The quarterback position is often looked at as a natural leader of the team. With Lewerke entering his second year as the full-time starter, he will have much more of a leadership role in 2018. Lewerke commands the offense and I am expecting big things out of him this season.

Bachie is another player that many predicted to earn captain status. As a relative unknown to begin last season, Bachie led the team with 100 tackles and was the anchor on a stacked defense. Now entering his second season as the starting MIKE, Bachie has a chance to make an even bigger impact this year.

Lewerke and Bachie are both juniors, so barring something unforeseen, they’ll be captains for the next two seasons. Willis has always led by example, as well as vocally, with his play on the field and calm demeanor off of the field.

MSU generally has at least three full-time captains under Mark Dantonio. Last year, there were only two due to a jumbled team vote. Both of last year’s captains, Chris Frey and Brian Allen, graduated and are now playing in the NFL.

There will also be one rotating captain each week.