Michigan State LB Joe Bachie named preseason All-American by Athlon Sports

Athlon Sports released its college football preseason All-American teams for 2018 on Tuesday, going with four squads on offense, defense and special teams.

And Michigan State has one representative on Athlon's team.

Junior linebacker Joe Bachie was selected to as a third-team All-American. He's joined at the position by Michigan's Khaleke Hudson and Miami's Shaq Quarterman.

Last season, Bachie was voted the team's MVP, the first sophomore to win the award since Drew Stanton in 2004. He was selected third-team all-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media, finishing with 100 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Bachie led the team in tackles and forced fumbles.

It was a big step up from his freshman season in 2016, when he tallied 12 tackles in six games.

Big Ten players earning first-team honors were Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin OL David Edwards and Ohio State DL Nick Bosa.

Previously, Athlon released its preseason all-Big Tenteam. Among Michigan State players, WR Felton Davis III was the lone first-team pick, while QB Brian Lewerke, RB LJ Scott, DL Kenny Willekes and Bachie were second-team selections.

OL David Beedle and CB Josiah Scott were third-teamers while CB Justin Layne, K Matt Coghlin and P Jake Hartbarger were fourth-team honorees.

Follow digital sports reporter Phil Friend on Twitter @Phil_Friend.

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