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Michigan State Football: Kevin Jarvis could be key to offensive line in 2018

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Although tackles are considered the most important, sophomore guard Kevin Jarvis could be the key to Michigan State success up front.

Michigan State’s offensive line has been trying to figure things out for the past couple of years. The Spartans had a rough go in 2016 and tried to piece things together in 2017, improving from that 3-9 campaign in the trenches.

Must Read: 5 reasons Brian Lewerke’s will be Mark Dantonio’s best QB

Cole Chewins, Luke Campbell, Tyler Higby and David Beedle get a lot of credit for the turnaround (along with the departed Brian Allen), but one name that doesn’t quite get the recognition is deserves is Kevin Jarvis.

As a true freshman in 2017, the former four-star from Chicago played in all 13 games, starting 10 straight at right guard to end the season. He earned honorable mentioned All-Big Ten accolades while being named honorable mention on the Freshman All-Big Ten team by BTN. He started more games as a true freshman than any lineman in the Mark Dantonio era, per his MSU bio.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he was a force against ranked opponents. In fact, he recorded a season-high 5.5 knockdowns against Washington State in the Holiday Bowl, four against No. 7 Penn State and 2.5 against Ohio State. He can play with the best.

Michigan State knows what it’s going to get from Chewins, Campbell, Higby and Beedle, but Jarvis may be the best of the bunch before his career is over.

The offensive line continues to improve and Jarvis will likely be an All-Big Ten selection in 2018. He’s quietly become a key to the offensive line’s success and won’t quite be under the radar as a sophomore.

Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions

Searching for the next great leader, and future pro, on the offensive line? Look no further than Jarvis.

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