Michigan State's defensive goal versus Furman is no first downs

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State linebacker Jon Reschke said he expects MSU’s defense to be among the nation’s best. He had an even bigger goal for the opening game Friday night against Furman.

“We gotta set our goals high,” he said. “I think our goal, not to sound cocky or anything, but I think we can hold this team to no first downs. We could beat them that badly, and that’s what we need to do to make a statement as a defense.

“If we want to be the best defense in the country, we need to start fast. And that’s what our coaches are preaching.”

Reschke, who took over as a starter last year when Ed Davis went down with a knee injury, said he has taken reps at all three linebacker positions during preseason camp. The Birmingham Brother Rice graduate from Sterling Heights finished with 75 tackles, fifth on the team, and two sacks.

“I need to have a way better season than I did last year. I had too many missed tackles, I had missed assignments. I need to be better. Of course, I think everyone needs to have that mentality.”

Related: ​Michigan State wants to explore offensive line depth against Furman

Davis update: Coach Mark Dantonio said the Spartans continue to play the waiting game for the NCAA to decide whether linebacker Davis will receive a sixth year to play this season. Dantonio did not give a concrete timeframe to hear an answer.

Davis, who cannot practice while waiting, graduated after the final session of summer classes ended, and the school applied for the waiver early last week.

“He's progressing in terms of getting his knee right and just getting back into shape,” Dantonio said. “We'll see where that's at here. We should know something very soon.”

Special emphasis: R.J. Shelton is listed as the starting punt and kick returner, with redshirt freshman receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. joining him on kickoffs. Starting safety Montae Nicholson also is listed as a kickoff returner.

“You just gotta be a baller as we call it and make (things) happen, regardless whether it’s me or Darrell,” Shelton said.

Sophomore Brandon Sowards and Stewart are listed behind Shelton at punt returner. Redshirt freshman Collin Caflilsch is listed as the top option at long snapper, replacing four-year starter Taybor Pepper.