Michigan State Football: JD Duplain’s move back to OL will pay dividends
According to Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio, freshman lineman JD Duplain made the move back to the offensive line.
Earlier this offseason, Mark Dantonio talked about moving one of his top first-year offensive linemen to the defensive side of the ball.
JD Duplain came in as one of the most sought-after lineman recruits for the Spartans in 2019 and landing him was a considerable victory for the coaching staff. He could immediately help the depth up front, but in order to get him on the field sooner, Dantonio wanted to shift him to the defensive line and he did just that.
It was a questionable move, but not the first time Dantonio changed a player’s position to help him see the field sooner. He’s done that with a few other’s this summer including Parks Gissinger going from defensive end to tight end, Julian Barnett from defensive back to receiver and Weston Bridges from running back to receiver.
But Duplain’s move was arguably a bad one strictly because he had the potential to be a star on the offensive line.
Last week, Dantonio switched him back over, potentially a direct result of Jalen Hunt committing to Michigan State.
Dantonio said true freshman JD Duplain has moved back to offensive line and is in his fifth day of practice after shifting from DL. Also said Ed Warriner and Noah Harvey has been working as the backup middle linebacker with Tyriq Thompson behind Joe Bachie.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 12, 2019
This move is going to pay major dividends for the offensive line as the future with Nick Samac, Devontae Dobbs and Duplain up front is bright. This could arguably be the best offensive line class in Dantonio’s tenure and it keeps getting stronger.
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The Spartans will enter the 2019 season with plenty of depth up front and a guy back in his natural position, able to learn and grow while likely retaining his redshirt.