EAST LANSING -- Where there are hopes on the Michigan State defensive line and promise in the secondary, the Spartans linebacking corps represents an absolute.

Most regard the unit -- senior Max Bullough, senior Denicos Allen and junior Taiwan Jones -- as the best in the Big Ten.

All three could be headed to the NFL after next season, however, so coach Mark Dantonio is making sure to have new players ready.

Enter incoming freshmen linebackers Jon Reschke and Shane Jones, both of whom will see action this season, according to Dantonio.

"We don't like to back up a senior with a senior,'' Dantonio said. "That means Jones and Reschke are the backups right now.

"We're only bringing in two linebackers, so they'll get in the mix.''

Dantonio made it clear that the insertion of Reschke and Jones into the two-deep isn't strictly a matter of preparing for 2014.

"They are two of the best linebackers in their respective states,'' Dantonio said. "That's a big positive.

"But linebacker is a position we need to address, because we are going to lose four seniors out of that group.''

In addition to starters Bullough and Allen, Jairus Jones and Kyler Elsworth are also senior linebackers.

Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi has talked about playing Jairus Jones in place of Taiwan Jones in passing situations this season, while sophomore linebacker Darien Harris is considered to be another player on the rise.

With a softer schedule that includes the likes of Western Michigan, Youngstown State and a downtrodden South Florida, it's likely Reschke and Jones will get their share of snaps in August and September, as well as in fall drills.

"We have to give our players some reps in August,'' Dantonio said, "and then we try to play those guys early in the season.''