Spartan Offensive Line Being Renovated Under the Watchful Eye of OG Joel Foreman

For Spartan Offensive Lineman Joel Foreman, 2010 is About Pride.  “Last year was disappointing and it did hurt,” was how junior guard and anchor of the

For Spartan Offensive Lineman Joel Foreman, 2010 is About Pride.

 

The Spartans OL wants to get back to making teams fear the run. Photo courtesy of Starr Portice

“Last year was disappointing and it did hurt,” was how junior guard and anchor of the Spartan offensive line Joel Foreman described 2009. 

 

Foreman burst on the Spartan Nation scene by becoming a freshman All American and followed that up with the best performance of any OL in 2009. One of Foreman’s strengths is that he may not be a rah-rah vocal player, but his work ethic speaks volumes. “I think we can really learn a lot from Joel, by watching how he plays the game and practices,” was how former guard and new defensive tackle Micajah Reynolds described him to me.

 

With Mark Dantonio’s insistence on upper classmen leadership, Foreman wasn’t comfortable asserting himself as a leader prior to this season, but he is now. “I have to teach young guys how to do things now,” was how he described his new role. He continued, “They need me saying stuff and leading.”

 

Some offensive lineman play with brut and brawn. Others are technically sound. Foreman is both and plays with a passion for the game that keeps him consistent and focused. “I like how he just plays the same each and every play. Joel doesn’t have a lot of up and down, he is consistent and that really makes him a great partner on the line and in the huddle,” was how former LT Rocco Cironi described Foreman last year.

 

So what does Foreman see for the Spartans offensive line in 2010? “Everyday we come out with a purpose. We want to be the toughest offensive line in the Big Ten.” Foreman’s big powerful frame is only outdone by his football IQ.

 

MSU offensive line coach Dan Roushar told Spartan Nation at the Alamo Bowl, “There are no dumb offensive lineman like the stereotype goes. Foreman is a great example of that. He is big and strong, but he also understands and gets the game.”

 

Foreman’s resolve in 2010 should make the Spartan Nation excited. “Last year was not what Spartan football was about. We want them to know that when they need the tough yards they can call on our line to deliver. We have the talent at running back and in 2010 we are going to get back to what we are all about and that is a consistent running game. We’ll be ready.” Based on Foreman’s quiet nature you better listen. This young man is among the best guards in the nation and when he speaks, he means it and more importantly he delivers.

 

His track record of performance at MSU says all you need to know. Look out Big Ten, the hog mollies are back in East Lansing and Joel Foreman is leading the way.