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Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2-deep depth chart projection for 2021

By Connor Muldowney

STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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After an up-and-down freshman season, Michigan State football heads into 2021 with a relatively revamped roster. What’ll the depth chart look like?

It’s been an eventful offseason for Michigan State thus far. Following the final game, the Spartans opted out of a bowl game and focused on hitting the transfer portal. They did hit the portal hard, landing five big names and another cornerback from the Division 2 level.

Now, the Spartans are focused on winter conditioning, getting early enrollees settled in and working toward improving on a 2-5 first season under Mel Tucker.

What could the depth chart look like when the 2020 season starts after the first batch of transfers?

Offensive line

Starting tackles: Jarrett Horst, Kevin Jarvis
Backups: Justin Stevens, Mustafa Khaleefah

Jarrett Horst was one of the big transfers Michigan State picked up this offseason and he’ll fill a position of need with a number of offensive linemen departing. He was a preseason all-conference pick before the 2020 season with Arkansas State and should be a solid addition to either the right or left side. Kevin Jarvis is back for his senior year and he could be the likely choice for left tackle. He has All-Big Ten potential.

Justin Stevens is a redshirt freshman who many believe could be a starter this upcoming season as one of the top prospects from Canada in 2020. He opted out of the 2020 season and should be ready to go this spring. Mustafa Khaleefah still has a lot to prove before he can officially make the two-deep but there aren’t many options.

Starting guards: JD Duplain, Matt Carrick
Backups: James Ohonba, Dallas Fincher

Back for his final season is Matt Carrick and he has plenty of starting experience on the interior so expect him to assume that role again in 2021. He’ll join JD Duplain who is one of my favorite linemen on the roster because his ceiling is incredibly high. I could see 2021 being his breakout year.

Behind them will be James Ohonba who fans have been patiently waiting for and Dallas Fincher who just redshirted in 2020. Both of those guys are mountains of players and they might be better backup options than the Spartans have had in years past — with Devontae Dobbs gone, Fincher will get a shot.

Starting center: Nick Samac
Backup: Blake Bueter

If you’re looking for a bright young star (not so young anymore) on the interior, Nick Samac is your guy. He’s got a couple of years under his belt and it looks like he found a home at center, especially with Matt Allen missing time last year. I see Blake Bueter as his backup although he could easily find a spot at the guard position as well.

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