Greg Jones' Team-First Attitude is Invaluable To Michigan State Football

Humble, eloquent, and poised may not be the first words that come to mind when one thinks of a football player—especially a quarterback-hungry pass rusher like Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones .

Jones, who will return for his senior year at MSU this fall, is among 70-plus NCAA FBS players on the Bronko Nagurski watch list.

The Nagurski trophy has been awarded to college football's top defensive player since 1993.

Jones is one of eight Big Ten players on the radar, but he recently said in an MSU press release that being recognized isn't one of his top priorities. His play has done the talking in the past, but his recent quote shows that his team-first attitude will anchor the Spartan defense in 2010.

"It's an honor to be on the same list with these other Big Ten players," Jones said .

"I have a lot of respect for these guys and I've seen them compete at a high level. To be named among them is great, I'm very happy about that, but my focus is still to win games, and a Big Ten championship. The more we win, the awards will come for everybody, and that's all I want."

It's no surprise that Jones is being tabbed as one of the Big Ten's elite linebackers. He's quite possibly one of the top five in the country.

He led the Spartans with a career-best 154 tackles in 2009.

Jones' leadership will be invaluable to MSU's young up-and-comers like Chris Norman .

Norman, who will be a sophomore this fall, is regarded as next in line to succeed Jones' role. No doubt a tall task, but the likenesses are there—both physically and mentally.

The two are similar in size: Jones is 6'1" 228 lbs, Norman 6'1" 218.

Their playing styles are alike too. Whether the ball is run, or the quarterback drops, both seem to be in the right place at the right time.

Norman played in 13 games as a true freshman, and had two tackles against Texas Tech in the 2010 Valero Alamo Bowl.

It's not coaching that has Norman ready, that's high football IQ.

The Spartans also have Max Bullough of St. Francis High School (Traverse City), and Justin Wilson of Western High School (Davie, Fla.) to round out the position.

Although it would be nice to see Jones and Lawrence Thomas patrol the field together, Spartan fans will not be awarded that luxury.

Thomas , who is ranked among the nation's top defensive recruits, verbally committed to MSU in February.

The Detroit Renaissance High School star is slated to be in green in white in time for the 2011 campaign.

While Norman is said to be the next Jones, Thomas would be touted as the next Norman. Norman and Thomas come from the same high school program, and that bond is beyond important.

Although it's unfair to players to compare them to one another, the writing is on the wall. High school bonds accompanied by Jones' legacy will make for a strong MSU linebacking unit—even when he's gone.