Michigan State Football: Jacob Isaia provides solid OL depth piece

Jacob Isaia was one of the top linemen in Michigan State football’s 2018 recruiting class and he’ll provide valuable depth in 2019.

Being the grandson of Michigan State legend Bob Apisa comes with a little pressure. No, Jacob Isaia and Apisa don’t play the same position, but whenever you come from such talent-ridden bloodlines, people expect big things out of you.

When Isaia committed to Michigan State’s 2018 recruiting class, he was met with immediate expectations which began with helping to turn the offensive line around.

Isaia redshirted in 2018, however, which wasn’t that big of a surprise but the former three-star recruit from Nevada powerhouse Bishop Gorman enters 2019 with the hope of seeing the field extensively, and that’s a strong possibility given the lack of success the offensive line saw a year ago.

Don’t get me wrong, the line could improve dramatically, but it can’t hurt to have a talented depth piece on the interior in Isaia. He could play either center or guard, backing up Matt Allen and/or Blake Bueter. Chances are he moves over to guard to help out Luke Campbell and Tyler Higby who struggled mightily in 2018 and the latter is coming off surgery. Kevin Jarvis has the other side locked down.

At 6-3, 292 pounds, Isaia was the top-ranked lineman in the state of Nevada and was one of the more intriguing additions to the 2018 class. He could be a surprise breakout candidate in 2019 if he lives up to his potential.

For those wondering how Michigan State will have any success on offense, it starts with the line which is surprisingly deep with guys like Isaia and arguably the best crop of incoming freshmen linemen in Mark Dantonio’s tenure.