Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines heading in 2022
By Kyler Kregel
(6.) Michigan State Fighting Transfer Portals…I mean, Spartans.
Offensive Line coach: Chris Kapilovic (3rd season)
Projected line-up: LT Jarrett Horst*, LG J.D. Duplain*, C Nick Samac*, RG Brian Greene, RT Spencer Brown
Summary: The Spartans OL was pretty well-balanced last year, finishing 55th in rushing yards per game and 34th in sack percentage. Kenneth Walker III certainly helped, but they protected the QB well and the film was a bit better than anticipated from the OL-specific evaluations.
Jarrett Horst returns at left tackle, a former transfer portal add from Arkansas State who was named All-Big Ten honorable mention in his first season in the Big Ten. J.D. Duplain at left guard is probably the best of the bunch, a very good run blocker and steady in protection, reminds me of Bredeson in several ways.
Samac has been a split starter at center the last several years, both due to performance and injury. Hard to gauge the caliber he’ll bring full-time. Brian Greene is a prized portal add this year from Washington State, where he was a former All-PAC 12 player at center for the Cougars. He has experience at guard, and thus the projection that he’ll end up on the right-hand side replacing Kevin Jarvis, now with the Detroit Lions.
Spencer Brown is a former Walled Lake recruit who got his first career start at right tackle in the Peach Bowl. Little film available aside from one bowl game. Overall, I wouldn’t expect a drop-off here. Kevin Jarvis was a very quality Big Ten guard, but between Greene’s transfer and the experience on the left-hand side, they could be just as good as last season, maybe even a bit better if they can stay healthier.