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Michigan State Football: Giving out 2023 preseason awards

By Scott Tolonen

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 02: Simeon Barrow #8 of Michigan State celebrates his fumble recovery late in the second quarter against Western Michigan with teammates Jeff Pietrowski #47 and Zion Young #18 at Spartan Stadium on September 2, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 02: Simeon Barrow #8 of Michigan State celebrates his fumble recovery late in the second quarter against Western Michigan with teammates Jeff Pietrowski #47 and Zion Young #18 at Spartan Stadium on September 2, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Berger #8 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by Tarique Barnes #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Berger #8 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by Tarique Barnes #8 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Offensive Newcomer: OT Keyshawn Blackstock

There are numerous statistics that show that the Michigan State offensive line was sub-par in the 2022 season.

The most damning stat I’ve seen was allowing less than two yards before the running back made contact with a defender, indicating that more times than not, an offensive lineman was getting beat off the line. I know injuries played a huge role in the underdevelopment within the unit, but by all indications, this group will be firing on all cylinders at the start of the season.

Keyshawn Blackstock comes in as the No. 1 rated JUCO offensive lineman and should start at the right tackle position. The combo of Blackstock and right guard Geno Van DeMark should provide a top right-side duo in the Big Ten this year and improve the running game which will be critical in the offense’s success with such a young quarterback coming in.

Dark horse candidate: TE Ademola Faleye — The Norfolk State transfer is 6-foot-7 235 pounds and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up averaging a touchdown every other game. Jay Johnson should be cooking up red zone packages where it’s “screw it, Faleye is over there somewhere” twice a game.

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