Bears Preseason Preview: Offensive Line
August 25, 2016 | Football
Bears Preseason Preview: Offensive Line
Letterwinners returning/lost: 8/1
Starters returning/lost: 4/1
Letterwinners returning/lost: 8/1
Starters returning/lost: 4/1
- The Bears offensive line figures to be one of the most experienced units on MSU's 2016 roster, with eight returning letterwinners and four starters from last fall, plus a former MVFC All-Newcomer pick who missed all of last season due to injury.
- Thanks in large part to their skilled front five, the Bears ranked among the least penalized teams in the nation last season, ranking third in fewest penalties (45) and fifth in total penalty yardage (439).
- New co-offensive coordinator and line coach Sean Coughlin will rely on the leadership of co-captain Riley Shantz, who made 10 combined starts at left guard and center last year.
- Sophomores Jordan Turner and Aaron Clardy each started all 11 games as redshirt freshmen, while Marquis Prophette made six starts on the right side of the line as a true freshman in 2015.
- After seeing action in 12 games (including eight starts) to lock down MVFC All-Newcomer team recognition as a redshirt freshman in 2014, Sam Ellifrits will be looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued sophomore campaign that kept him on the sideline.
- Juniors McKinze James and Brad Pryor will look to bolster the Bears' line after earning letters on the defensive line to start their MSU careers.
- Addtionally, junior Gus Carter could see an expanded role in his fourth year in the program, while senior Terrence Neuhauser moves across the line of scrimmage to provide added depth after playing a significant role on the Bears' defensive line during his first two years at MSU.
- Redshirt freshman A.J. David, as well as true freshmen Charles Carter, Casey O'Brien and Lemond Singleton bring added size and skill to the line corps.
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