Michigan State Football: 5 offensive players with most to prove in 2019
![Connor Heyward, Jordan Reid and Matt Dotson, Michigan State football (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Connor Heyward, Jordan Reid and Matt Dotson, Michigan State football (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5faa20395c0df98726218709fe079dd36b9bf6ced968eaaf9f250e8be8a7192a.jpg)
The offensive side of the ball was a major weakness for Michigan State football in 2018 but which players have the most to prove in 2019?
What are touchdowns? That question seemed to be on everyone’s mind following the conclusion of the 2018 season. Michigan State had just scored six points against a mediocre Oregon defense in the Redbox Bowl in a disappointing 7-6 loss.
The Spartans couldn’t seem to find the end zone in the final month of the regular season and went into bowl season as one of the most touchdown-deprived teams in the nation.
Brad Salem has taken over as offensive coordinator and he doesn’t have a shortage of talent to work with, so his job may not seem easy, but he has the pieces to succeed — it’s all about execution now.
Which five Spartans have the most to prove on offense in 2019, though?
Honestly, anyone on the offensive line could be placed here, but the most disappointing of the group, besides Tyler Higby a year ago, would have to be junior tackle Luke Campbell.
Campbell was raved about by former offensive line coach Mark Staten and he even said that he had future All-American potential in the trenches, but after a solid first season, he’s since fallen off and even lost his starting job last season, splitting time with other underclassmen at the tackle spot.
Now that he’s entering his redshirt junior season, the former All-Big Ten honorable mention lineman has a lot to work on and he needs to prove himself worthy of a starting job.
Right now, Cole Chewins and Jordan Reid look to be the starters up front, so Campbell has to earn that No. 1 role back, but it’s not going to be easy.
The whole line needs to prove itself this season, but Campbell is facing the most critical year out of anyone up front.