As the ramp up to summer camp continues, with the first day of practice only about one week away, Michigan State football and Pat Fitzgerald are naming some starters. In the spring, the story on Pat Fitzgerald was that the Spartans only were comfortable naming Alessio Milivojevic, Jordan Hall, and punter Rhys Dakin as starters.
Well, scratch one spot off the list. Pat Fitzgerald was willing to concede to the media that transfer portal addition Trent Fraley will be starting center. The center transferred to Michigan State football after starring at North Dakota State. The Bison made a jump to the FBS this offseason, but the allure of Big Ten play brought Fraley to MSU.
Fraley was widely expected to nail down the starting job, as last year’s starter Matt Gulbin was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round. Additionally, Cooper Terpstra transferred out of the room, meaning that the Spartans had zero returning starts at center.
Fraley has gained considerable hype, with the Rimington Trophy committee talking to Fitzgerald about his projected starting center on Wednesday. After the conversation, knock the “projected” off that term.
“Yeah, Trent’s our starting center. Physical, tough, incredible high football IQ. Son of a great player, great coach,” Fitzgerald said, alluding to Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley. “I’ve been really impressed with him building relationships.”
Fitzgerald then dived into his center’s qualities, discussing how his presence and leadership, along with his knowledge, benefit the Michigan State football program.
“Everything goes through him, and he’s done a great job, taking guys fishing, doing fun stuff, like, he completely gets it,” Fitzgerald praised Fraley. “When you see Trent, you’re like, ‘oh yeah, that’s what a football player, that’s what an o-lineman is supposed to look like. That’s how he carries himself every day, between presence and leadership.”
Healthy Competition at Offensive Line
In Fitzgerald’s initial media comments of the day, the head coach mentioned that there is a ton of competition in the offensive line room. The head coach said there were 11 or so players all competing for a starting role at camp.
This occurs after the Spartans had Robert Wright Jr., Nick Sharpe, Fraley, Rakeem Johnson, and Conner Moore all among the primary offensive linemen in the spring game. Rustin Young also returns, along with Luka Vincic healing from injury. Fitzgerald was optimistic about Vincic during his media session, but would not commit to Vincic being back week one, reading his facial expression.
The main struggles last season for the Spartans came from the offensive line, and a big season from them would go a long way in healing the fanbase this season.
