Michigan State Football: It’s time to give freshmen offensive linemen a shot
After a horrible opener, Michigan State football may want to take a chance on some freshmen offensive linemen that stood out this summer.
At first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Michigan State’s offensive line has lived by that mantra for the past two seasons and the start of the 2019 campaign should put an end to it.
Guys like Jordan Reid, Tyler Higby and Luke Campbell struggled mightily. AJ Arcuri and Cole Chewins were out with injuries and Kevin Jarvis was forced to play out of position at left tackle and he struggled to really hold things down on that side — he’s a solid guard, though.
The most frustrating thing about the struggles on the offensive line is the fact that there are pieces on the roster that could help bring this offense back from the brink.
That’s where the freshmen come in.
Mark Dantonio brought in arguably his best recruiting class on the offensive line and while it might be the toughest position group to play true freshmen, they impressed during summer camp and earned the respect of the coaching staff. Devontae Dobbs, JD Duplain and Nick Samac all dressed for the opener and were available because of it.
Beyond them, there’s also Spencer Brown who may be more of a project, but talent-filled, nonetheless. And redshirt freshmen James Ohonba, Jacob Isaia and Dimitri Douglas were also highly-regarded at the high school level and could get a look.
Matt Carrick started his first career game, Matt Allen had a decent game and, as mentioned earlier, Jarvis was playing out of position which did him no favors.
Maybe keeping the core of the offensive line with Jarvis, Allen and Carrick (give him more opportunities) and start rotating some younger guys at right tackle and guard for struggling players such as Reid, Campbell and Higby.
Next. MSU Football: 10 bold predictions for 2019. dark
Is it an overreaction to say “start the freshmen”? Possibly, but it can’t possibly get any worse than it is right now with guys who have had opportunities for a couple of years and haven’t delivered.