Adding size, strength critical for young Michigan State offensive line

CLOSE

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, quarterback Brian Lewerke, linebacker Chris Frey and wide receiver Felton Davis talk after the 42-17 win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in San Diego. Video by Chris Solari/DFP

EAST LANSING – It was by far the youngest offensive line Michigan State put on the field in Mark Dantonio’s 11 seasons.

At times, it showed. And at times, so did the raw talent along it.

The Spartans produced nearly 5,000 yards of offense in a fairly balanced manner. They were up and down in the run game (2,182 yards). They helped QB Brian Lewerke to the second-most total yardage in school history while protecting him in the passing game (2,798 yards, 21 sacks).

And among the regulars, MSU will only lose one player – though center and captain Brian Allen was the anchor who helped direct and guide his linemates into their future together.

More: Dantonio: Spartans 'reaffirmed our stature' in college football with 2017 turnaround

More: Running back LJ Scott will return to Michigan State, which Mark Dantonio and Spartans knew

What worked: There were games in which the push was there, including LJ Scott’s career-high 198 yard game at Minnesota. MSU had five 200-plus-yard rushing performances, including 480 total rushing yards in the final two wins over Maryland and in the Holiday Bowl against Washington State. Allen’s leadership, production (second-team All-Big Ten) and durability (28 straight starts) will be missed. He helped first-year starter Lewerke read defenses with his four years of experience. Junior David Beedle, the starting left tackle for much of 2016, showed flexibility by bouncing between left and right guard after an injury. He will be the elder statesman next year. True freshman Kevin Jarvis took over at right guard, starting the final 10 games and allowing Beedle to shift to left guard. That’s where sophomore Tyler Higby started the season and remained a key cog off the bench. Sophomore Cole Chewins and redshirt freshman Luke Campbell flashed athletic ability and quickness at the tackle spots, with true freshman Jordan Reid rounded out the regular rotation and got more and more snaps as the coaches’ trust in him grew.

What didn’t work: The Spartans had five games this season, including four straight, in which they did not eclipse 100 yards rushing as a team. They allowed just six sacks through the first six games, then 15 over the final seven, including six in a blowout loss against eventual Big Ten champion Ohio State. That was the biggest moment when both the Spartans’ youth up front and need to improve their size and strength showed.

Who’s back: LT Cole Chewins, jr. (starter); RG/LG David Beedle, sr. (starter); LG Tyler Higby, jr. (starter); RG Kevin Jarvis, so. (starter); RT Luke Campbell, so. (starter); RT Jordan Reid, so.; C Matt Allen, so.; T Noah Listermann, jr.; OL Tommy Liesveld, jr.; T AJ Arcuri, so.; G Matt Carrick, rs-fr.; T Mustafa Khaleefah, rs-fr.; OL Jack Henrichs, rs-fr.; OL Blake Bueter, rs-fr.

Who’s gone: C Brian Allen; T Dennis Finley; G Casey Schreiner; G/T Nick Padla, G Jeremy Schram.

Who’s coming in: Dimitri Douglass (Saline), Jacob Isaia (Las Vegas Bishop Gorman), James Ohonba (Woodland, Georgia)

2018 outlook: Five starters return between four positions. Filling the center spot is the biggest concern, though youngest brother Matt Allen appears prepared to take the job that his brothers Brian and Jack held for the most of the past decade. Chewins and Campbell need to add bulk to their frames to make a Jack Conklin-type jump. While Beedle and Jarvis appear entrenched at the guard spots, Higby could add some versatility by working at center. It will be a battle for playing time behind them. Reid has the edge after getting around 250 snaps in all 13 games. Khaleefah was close to joining the rotation but managed to redshirt, while Arcury and Carrick battled injuries that limited their opportunities during practice. The three incoming players could have a tough time cracking Mark Staten’s rotation, though they all have the size and skill set to impress and seize some snaps.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari. Download our Spartans Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!