Michigan State football: Previewing the 2018 offensive line

Michigan State football returns 10 of 11 starters from last year’s team on offense. Can a line suddenly boasting experience take the next step to greatness?

Michigan State football is coming into the season with high expectations after finishing 10-3 last season. They return 19-of-22 starters from last year. On top of that they also return their punter, kicker and long snapper, and the majority of the two deep from their depth chart. Sprinkle in some talented new comers and you have championship expectations.

The offense line returns four of their five starters, and seven of the top eight players from last years team. Brian Allen is the one player the Spartans have to replace. Although Allen was a great player for the Spartans, they have plenty of talented options who have a lot of game experience under their belts. Head coach Mark Dantonio told reporters earlier this week at their media day, that the offensive line currently has eight guys who are ready to play right now.

Sophomore Matt Allen, the youngest of the three brothers is one of the front-runners to take over the position. Allen who is 6-foot-3, 300 pound went into fall camp as the leader in the clubhouse. Last year Allen played 48 snaps over the course of 11 games. He is the biggest of the three brothers. Can Allen find the consistency snapping the ball and making the reads for the line, while paving the way for a Michigan State football team who looks to have a great offense?

Another option for the Michigan State football coaches is junior Tyler Higby. Higby is a guy who brings a ton of experience, he has played in 22 games, including 13 starts at the guard position. With the on field experience and knowledge of the play calls and blocking responsibilities Higby could make a smooth transition to center for the Spartans.

Offensive line coach Mark Staten has also had senior David Beedle take reps at center early in camp. Beedle is a monster for the Spartans at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds. Beedle a senior coming off a dominating junior campaign is another guy much like Higby that could offer a smooth transition to center for the Michigan State football coaches. Beedle has played in 30 games, including 14 starts. Last year he gave up zero sacks, while providing great run blocking.

Blake Bueter is a redshirt freshman who has impressed the Spartan coaches during winter conditioning and spring ball. Bueter is a 6-foot-4, 308-pound interior lineman who looks to play some major snaps for Michigan State this year.

The Michigan State football team also returns sophomore guard Kevin Jarvis. Jarvis is a mauler who  moves well for a guy that’s 6-foot-4, 321 pounds. Last year as a true freshman Jarvis played in all 13 games, including starting the final 10 games. The Michigan State football coaches are expecting a huge season for the true sophomore.

The Spartan offensive line returns all three of their top offensive tackles as well. Cole Chewins a junior standing at 6-foot-8 has added significant weight this off-season is up to 290 pounds. For an incoming junior Chewins brings a ton of experience for Michigan State, he has played in 24 games, including 16 consecutive starts. Look for Chewins to make that jump from good to great for coach Staten.

Luke Campbell is entering his sophomore year for the Spartans, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle is coming off a very strong freshman season. He played in all 13 games last year, including 12 starts. Campbell has the versatility to switch from his right tackle position to the left side to help rotate linemen and keep guys fresh.

Jordan Reid returns for his sophomore year after a very strong true freshman season last year. The 6-foot-4, 281-pound tackle played in all 13 games last year, including one start for the Spartans. The Michigan State football coaches love his versatility to play tackle or even slide inside to take some reps inside at guard or center. Reid is a highly athletic lineman who can pull or get outside to spring the ball carrier.

Michigan State football coaches would love it if one or two more guys can play their way into the rotation during camp. An extra tackle being able to play at a high enough level would be ideal, giving them four guys they could rotate in to keep everyone fresh as well as come in if someone suffered an injury.

AJ Arcuri, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound redshirt sophomore is a guy the coaches talked about during training camp last season before suffering a season ending injury. Arcuri is healthy again looking to make a name for himself. Mustafa Khaleefa, a redshirt freshman is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle ready to prove he’s ready for a role on game days.

Three freshmen interior linemen who could force their way into the mix with a strong showing are redshirt freshman Matt Carrick, and true freshmen James Ohonba and Jacob Isaia.

Carrick a 6-foot-4, 317-pounder suffered a knee injury in the winter between his senior year in high school and freshman year of college is healthy again. Ohonba is a freshman who comes in ready to compete from a strength standpoint. He is a huge man standing 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 341 pounds. Isaia is a versatile offensive lineman who could project anywhere across the interior offensive line. Isaia came into spring camp at 6-foot-3 and 286 pounds, and ready to show coaches what he’s got.