Michigan State Football: Kevin Jarvis could be key to OL success in 2019

Down about 15 pounds from the start of last season and owning the weight room, Kevin Jarvis could be Michigan State football’s most important lineman.

Kevin Jarvis began the 2018 season as a 321-pound monster in the middle of the offensive line. He was slotted as a guard and was one of the highest-rated recruits in Michigan State’s 2017 class. It was his second year of action and everyone expected big things.

As a sophomore, he played in nine games, starting seven of them, but suffered some injuries and missed time in four contests. Despite not playing the full season, he still led the team in knockdowns with 41 and was arguably the most dominant lineman Michigan State had.

Now we flash forward to the 2019 season, Jarvis’ junior year. He’s one of the five returning starters up front and if he can continue to grow, he could be an All-Big Ten selection.

But he’s stuck on an offensive line that’s looking for an identity.

The 2018 season was a nightmare. Michigan State averaged just 124 yards per game on the ground, ranking 115th in the nation, and a big reason for that was the lack of an adequate blocking scheme. Jim Bollman is back taking care of the offensive line and that could be good news for Jarvis’ progression as well as the entire group’s growth.

There was one, or maybe two, lineman last season who never seemed to be the subject of “benching” talk and it was Jarvis. If he can stay healthy in 2019, the sky is the limit.

While many believe the left tackle or even center is the most important position up front, Jarvis’ right guard spot could give the rest of the line some positive traction.