Michigan State Football: Who will be the leader of the offensive line in 2020?

Michigan State football’s offensive line will be an improving group in 2020 but which player will be the leader of the group?

Every Michigan State fan on the planet was excited for a new offensive coaching staff this offseason and when Chris Kapilovic was hired as the offensive line coach, the expectations rose immediately.

While he wasn’t exactly a household name in the college football world, Kapilovic caught the attention of fans when they realized just how effective he was at Colorado in 2019.

In fact, he was one of the best offensive line coaches in the Pac-12 and turned around a unit that was a massive weakness in 2018. The Buffaloes were one of the worst units in the country that season and Kapilovic came in and changed things immediately.

As you can tell by this graphic, Kapilovic turned the No. 116 team in the country in terms of line yards into the 25th-best. The Buffaloes were also top 25 in power success rate which is the percentage of plays on third or fourth down with less than two yards to go that result in a first down. They also finished No. 23 in stuff rate which is the percentage of plays the defense stops at or behind the line of scrimmage.

It was clear that he was one of the most effective coaches — and recruiters — in the country in 2019 and Michigan State desperately needs that in 2020.

A much-needed Michigan State football leader stepping up

Michigan State’s offensive line ranked No. 121 in line yards, No. 124 in opportunity rate (percentage of carries that a running back gains five yards or more), No. 96 in power success rate and No. 113 in stuff rate which just goes to show how poor this group was.

A turnaround is desperately needed.

So who will step up to lead that offensive line from that group? The Spartans are losing guys like Tyler Higby and Cole Chewins while bringing back Kevin Jarvis, Matt Allen, Matt Carrick, Luke Campbell and Jordan Reid. The leader of that return group has to be Jarvis who is entering his junior year.

Kapilovic had glowing reviews of the former four-star offensive guard.

It’s clear that he has the respect of his teammates and the only reason he’s not a perennial all-conference candidate is because he’s had a tough time staying healthy. If anyone is going to lead the line and potentially make the All-Big Ten squad, it’ll be Jarvis.

Jarvis is one of the most naturally gifted linemen MSU has had in years and if he can help lead a young group with guys like JD Duplain, Devontae Dobbs, Spencer Brown and Nick Samac, the Spartans will be in good shape for years up front.

Don’t be surprised if Jarvis steps up as a captain candidate this fall.