Michigan State Football: 5 upperclassmen who need to step up in 2019

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 27: Cam Chambers #21 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a catch for a first down and tackled by Markus Bailey #21 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium on October 27, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Offensive tackle Cole Chewins #61 of the Michigan State Spartans blocks defensive lineman Mick Stoltenberg #44 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

I could have selected a number of players on the offensive line because, well, each one of them needs to step up after a disastrous 2018 season, but the leader seems to be Cole Chewins and if he’s healthy, he needs to prove to be the most consistent.

This spot could have easily gone to Tyler Higby or Luke Campbell, but Chewins could very well be the team’s starting left tackle and that’s the most important position in the trenches, so his growth and maturity in his final season will be imperative for the line’s success.

Chewins was not playing at 100 percent much of last season, so he’ll get a minor pass, but if he can’t hold off guys like AJ Arcuri or Devontae Dobbs this year, his career in East Lansing will be remembered for all the wrong reasons after a solid start.

With Chewins playing his best football at left tackle in 2019, the Spartan offense could bounce back and flourish. He holds the keys to the offensive line’s success and he’s got just about everyone looking up to him.

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