Michigan State football: Playing time odds for 2022 class offensive signees

Ashton Lepo, OT

OT room:

Losing: AJ Arcuri, Dan VanOpstall
Returning: Jarrett Horst, Spencer Brown, Kevin Wigenton, Brandon Baldwin, Dallas Fincher
Bringing in: Braden Miller

Ashton Lepo (No. 949 nationally, No. 84 OT) brings imposing size (6-foot-8) to the offensive line. With AJ Arcuri leaving, there is an open spot available for the taking. Additionally, Dan VanOpstall’s graduation also leaves a hole on special teams for an offensive tackle.

Lepo is another player who will be a solid contributor for the Spartans, but in a year or two. He is under 300 pounds, which will not work in the Big Ten. He will benefit from a year to bulk up and sharpen his skill against the Michigan State pass rushers.

In a conference that produced three likely first round edge rushers this year, experience will be a priority for this line. Lepo also will not benefit from a full offseason program, making it unlikely to see him on the field. He also faces stiff competition from classmate Braden Miller.

Prediction

Redshirt. Lepo has the length and desire to play, but it will be hard to find playing time that is worth abandoning a redshirt for. Jarrett Horst is returning for a graduate year, Brown played well in his limited time last year, and Wigenton and Fincher each have taken a year of learning and training from Chris Kapilovic.

Things do look up for the Grand Haven product’s future, though. Horst will be gone after next year and Spencer Brown will be a junior this upcoming season, meaning there will be plenty of positions up for grabs in the next few years. We might see a brief preview against the MAC schools, but the Lepo train might have to be on hold for a year to let him bulk up.