Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: Projected post-2018 spring game depth chart

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a short gain as Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a short gain as Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 7
Next

Michigan State’s annual spring game is in the books and the Spartans have a decent idea of how the depth chart may look.

The 2018 spring game is in the books and Michigan State looks the part of a national contender. The Spartans are coming off a 10-3 season which was quite the rebound from 2016’s 3-9 campaign. Mark Dantonio capped off the comeback year with his 100th win as Michigan State’s head coach in the Holiday Bowl.

With that quick and drastic turnaround comes heightened expectations heading into the 2018 season. The Spartans are no longer in panic mode as they return more starters than just about anyone in college football and are considered a lock to be ranked in the top 10 come fall.

Dantonio will have some decisions to make with all the depth returning, though. The depth chart could have a similar look to 2017, but there will be a few changes to make up for a few starter departures and transfers.

What could the two-deep depth chart look like after the 2018 spring game?

Offensive Line

Starting tackles: Luke Campbell, Cole Chewins
Backups: Jordan Reid, Mustafa Khaleefah

Luke Campbell was one of the main breakout stars on the offensive line last season and so was Cole Chewins. These two helped form an up-and-coming line, but the Spartans still have some work to do up front. These guys need to provide more of a push and protect the edge. Still, count on Campbell and Chewins to start in 2018.

Backups seem to be Jordan Reid and Mustafa Khaleefah, but the offensive line could change a number of times before the start of the 2018 campaign. Reid will see the field at either guard or tackle.

Starting guards: Tyler Higby, Kevin Jarvis
Backups: David Beedle, Jordan Reid

Last year, it was Tyler Higby and Kevin Jarvis stepping up at the guard spots, for the most part. They both return and will likely assume those roles but also could get some push from the backups. Higby can play multiple positions and Jarvis is still adapting, but these two matured nicely throughout the 2017 season.

As stated earlier, Reid could see time at either guard or tackle and looked the part of a future starter during the spring game. His size is more than adequate and he looked to have improved his strength from his freshman season. David Beedle will definitely earn some reps here, too.

Starting center: Matt Allen
Backup: Tyler Higby

Yes, another Allen is in place at the center position. First, it was All-American Jack Allen a few years ago, then Brian Allen and now it’s Matt Allen. He’s entering his sophomore season and is the favorite to replace his brother who graduated and is the only departing starter on offense.

Higby took some snaps as the backup center during the spring game, but he may not quite have the natural feel that Allen did. He could still play the role of No. 2 center in case of emergency.

Home/Spartans Football