Mississippi State Football Spring Position Preview: Offensive Line

By Ethan Lee | Apr 10, 2018

STARKVILLE, MS - NOVEMBER 11: Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

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MSU lost Its Left Tackle, Who Will Step Up for the Bulldogs?

Martinas Rankin won’t be returning to suit up in Maroon and White next season. Rankin was a senior last season, weighed in a 315 pounds and stands at 6-5 feet tall. He’s also expected to be drafted and move his career on to the NFL.

So, that means Mississippi State football will have to find a replacement for Rankin. And it shouldn’t be overly difficult for the Bulldogs. Unless Joe Moorhead makes some unexpected changes, MSU’s replacement at left tackle should be pretty easy to find.

Based off of starts from last season, Greg Eiland should be able to slide right into MSU’s starting lineup. Eiland towers over most others on the field. At 6-8 and 330 pounds, defensive linemen and linebackers will have a tough time moving through the sophomore lineman from Philadelphia, Mississippi.

Eiland came to State as a 3-star and is now in a position to take over for MSU on the line. He earned a few starts last season, taking over when Rankin was injured and couldn’t play. Now, he has a chance to move in to the starting lineup full time.

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