MSU's Bachie Returning For Senior Season

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Michigan State's defense ranked among the top 10 in the country this season, allowing just over 300 yards per game.

A big piece of that defense will be back for one last go, as linebacker Joe Bachie announced via Instagram Friday that he will be returning for his senior season.

I have decided not to enter my name in the NFL draft. I am very excited to put the green and white on for one more season. After talking with my family & coaches this is the best thing for me. I will continue to pursue my degree in hopes of graduating after the fall of 2019. We are not done yet Spartan Nation continue believing in us. 2019 will be special ✌------ #GoGreen #NotDoneYet - - - S/o @joerobbins8 for the edit ------

A post shared by Joe Bachie (@joebach35) on Jan 4, 2019 at 2:09pm PST

Bachie led the team with 102 tackles this season, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named the Spartans' outstanding defensive player during their 7-6 campaign.

Bachie's announcement gives MSU another boost moving forward, coming on the heels of fellow defensive standout DT Raequan Williams announcing he'll also skip the NFL Draft in favor of one more season in East Lansing.

That leaves next year's team with at least two defensive players who earned All-Big Ten honors, as MSU awaits the decision of another. DL Kenny Willekes (First Team) is yet to announce whether he will be back for his senior season.

Second-team All-Big Ten CB Justin Layne already announced he will enter the NFL Draft and did not play in the Redbox Bowl.

Whether Willekes joins Bachie and Williams in returning to East Lansing, the Spartans' defense figures to be the focal point of the team next season, as head coach Mark Dantonio will be tasked with finding a way to get the offense to improve after scoring just 25 offensive touchdowns in 13 games.