Spartans believe offensive line will be just fine
East Lansing — While much of the focus on Michigan State’s offense this season will fall on the quarterback position, it’s hardly the only spot the Spartans will be wondering about heading into preseason camp.
Michigan State must replace three starters on its offensive line, two of whom were All-Americans. Left tackle Jack Conklin was a first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans while guard Donavon Clark was taken late by the San Diego Chargers and center Jack Allen signed with the New Orleans Saints.
However, coach Mark Dantonio feels the Spartans are uniquely positioned heading into 2016 because of misfortune a year ago. Both Conklin and Allen missed time with injuries while Conklin’s replacement, Dennis Finley, broke his leg during his first start. Also, right tackle Kodi Kieler was bothered by a knee injury at various points of the season.
That resulted in six different starting combinations as the Spartans were forced to juggle the lineup, but it also created opportunities.
“We’ve got quite a few guys up there that can play in different areas,” Dantonio said. “Last year we lost both Jacks for a period of time and other guys stepped in and played pretty well. We lost Dennis Finley, so we had injuries we needed to overcome.”
Those other guys included more experienced players like Brandon Clemons and Benny McGowan, a pair of seniors who can play both guard and center, as well as David Beedle, now a sophomore who is listed as the starter at left tackle. Add in some up-and-comers like redshirt freshman Cole Chewins and the Spartans have high hopes for the front five.
“Other guys were pressed into that thing like David Beedle,” Dantonio said. “And Cole Chewins is a guy that’s gonna make his mark around here. We’ve got guys and it will be exciting to watch those guys perform.”
Finding the right combination for offensive line coach Mark Staten will be the key. Fifth-year senior tackle Miguel Machado is expected to compete for a starting spot and a healthy Finley should be in the mix, as well. Both are listed as the co-starters at right tackle heading into camp.
The interesting move early is Kieler listed as the starting center with junior Brian Allen at left guard. Kieler, the fifth-year senior who has started 19 games at tackle, worked some in the spring at center but was limited with injuries.
Allen was expected to slide over to center, but Kieler will be evaluated there before any decisions are finalized.
“He has the knowledge base to play in there,” Dantonio said, “so we’ll evaluate that early in the process and see where it’s at, but no question, Kodi could move out to right tackle and he can play left tackle.”
The move could help Kieler as he looks to play at the next level following his final season with the Spartans. Dantonio agreed that is part of giving Kieler a look at center, but he also emphasized the importance of having a center who understands the offense.
“We want a guy in there to do some of the things intellectually that Jack (Allen) had done,” Dantonio said. “Brian can do that but Kodi can do that as well. He has the experience level and he’s been working at that position.”
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