Missouri State

At MSU: After starting the last portion of the season and ranking fourth on the team in tackles last year as a freshman, Tony Randolph figures to secure a starting spot and again be a major force in the Bears' linebacking corps. His 73 tackles ranks third among returning players. He managed a career-high 14 tackles vs. Illinois State, 12 vs. UNI and 10 at Western Illinois. Randolph had two sacks, one at Western Illinois and the other vs. Southeast Missouri State. He also notched nine stops at Southern Illinois, eight vs. SEMO and seven at Youngstown State.

Background: Randolph was an all-conference running back and defensive back for the Class 6 state champion Jaguars as a senior. He was honored as an all-state running back that season after gaining 809 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Randolph recorded 67 tackles and forced four fumbles his senior seasons for the Jags.

Personal: Tony André Randolph was born 8/24/89 in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Tony Randolph, Sr., and Latunda Hollins. Randolph is majoring in criminology.