Michigan State LB Ed Davis out for season

Michigan State took a huge hit to its defense during Wednesday’s practice – the team’s first practice in full pads.

Head coach Mark Dantonio announced that linebacker Ed Davis suffered a “season-ending knee injury” that will require surgery. Davis, a fifth-year senior, was a preseason All-Big Ten selection and is one of the team’s best players.

“We’re so disappointed for Ed Davis and his presence in the lineup will be missed,” Dantonio said. “Ed is a tremendous playmaker and a solid leader. He will still have an important role on this team, and he might have the opportunity to qualify for a sixth year of eligibility.”

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Davis started 12 games for the Spartans in 2014 and registered 58 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks. A native of Detroit, Davis was named to the watch lists for both the Nagurski and Bednarik Awards.

“Our program has faced adversity before, so now it’s time to adopt the ‘next man up’ mentality,” Dantonio said. “Ed’s season-ending injury provides others with an opportunity to have a positive impact on this team.”

Davis redshirted his first season with the program in 2011 and then combined for 22 tackles and four sacks combined in 2012 and 2013 as a backup and special teams player.

According to the Detroit Free-Press, sophomore Chris Frey is listed behind Davis on the Spartans’ depth chart at the SAM linebacker spot. 

For more Michigan State news, visit SpartanMag.com.

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