Monday, April 13, 2009
Football: Michigan State
MSU's Antonio Jeremiah gets a fresh start on offense
Eric Lacy / The Detroit News
East Lansing -- Michigan State's Antonio Jeremiah is at a pivotal point in his career.
Jeremiah, a 6-foot-5, 345-pounder, was a gem of coach Mark Dantonio's 2007 recruiting class but has yet to establish himself as a key contributor.
"Time is running out, but I still have two years," Jeremiah said. "I just have to give everything I have and make something happen."
A position switch from defensive line to offensive line might make the difference for the Hilliard, Ohio, native once ranked a four-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Dantonio made the decision to try Jeremiah out at offensive tackle after winter conditioning and believes Jeremiah could enhance a unit that lost three seniors.
"We'll see how it goes," said Dantonio, who could move Jeremiah back to defense by fall. "I'll just continue with this move until we figure it all out. He's got ability."
Jeremiah was told by the coaching staff to drop his weight to about 330 pounds before the season.
The toughest adjustment so far has been standing and taking hits while pass blocking, instead of clobbering someone while in a dead-sprint pass rush, Jeremiah said.
"I have to sit, wait and punch," he said. "I want to go get guys before they get me."
). good luck Antonio