2016 was an extremely successful season for the Western Michigan Broncos. Future NFL wide receiver Corey Davis led the way on the offensive side of the ball as the team cruised to a MAC Championship and, defensively, things were buoyed by linebacker Robert Spillane. On Monday evening, WMU fans received a blow with regard to 2017, though, as Spillane has been granted his release from the program.
Linebacker Robert Spillane has requested and been granted his release. We thank Robert for all his contributions as a Bronco.
— WMU Football (@WMU_Football) February 28, 2017
Tony Paul of The Detroit News brings word that this is not a situation in which Spillane would be eligible immediately, as he has not graduated from Western Michigan. With that in mind, his focus would presumably be on the 2018 season should he choose to transfer to another FBS program.
Spillane's next destination remains unknown at this time, but we certainly know that his 111 tackles (and 28 career starts at linebacker) will be greatly missed by the Broncos on the defensive side of the football. With head coach P.J. Fleck moving on to Purdue and the aforementioned Davis set to excel at the next level, it will be an interesting first season under Tim Lester at Western Michigan and his job becomes much harder with the loss of his most prolific defensive player at an odd time.
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