2010 Spartan Nation Football Profile: J’Michael Deane (JMD) RT #77

 Expectation: Offensive Tackle  Height:  6’6”  Weight: 317#  2010 Eligibility: Fifth year senior  EXP: 1 Letter  Status:Â

 

Deane has to go 100% all the time to be a starter in 2010. Photo courtesy of MSU SID

Expectation:Â Offensive Tackle

 

Height:  6’6”

 

Weight:Â 317#

 

2010 Eligibility:Â Fifth year senior

 

EXP:Â 1 Letter

 

Status:Â Battling for starting RT position

 

Strengths: JMD has all of the God-given gifts that any offensive lineman covets. He has size, strength, and speed. When you look at him, physically there is no reason he isn’t a starting and dominant tackle.

 

I like JMD personally, and the fact that he has of not yet won the job spells trouble for him. We will get to that later. For now, let’s look at the Montana State game to see both sides of this unique young man. 

 

With 10:55 on the clock and the Spartans facing a first and ten at the Bobcat 37, JMD accelerated like a cannon out of his stance, neutralized the opponent with force, and got up field for another block. He was dominant. He made the Bobcat defender truly look like a man among boys.

 

When JMD’s game is on, his upside is huge. Sadly, this is his last year and finding his game on can be a daily search.

 

Weakness: Again we will look back at the Montana State game. In the second quarter on a third and two with 2:35 on the clock, JMD made a poor mental mistake. The defender caused heat on the QB and the play was broken because of a Deane missed assignment.

 

Deane’s biggest obstacle is between the ears. When his confidence is on, he is dominant. When it isn’t, he struggles. Sadly, the coaching staff can’t trust a coveted starting spot to someone that isn’t reliable. He is in his fifth year and every college coach’s philosophy is the same, a tie always goes to the younger player. Deane not only has to be as good as his competitors, he has to be better as the oldest one fighting for the spot.

 

Final Analysis: Deane came out this spring and went 100% all the time, something that he had not done during his first four years playing football at MSU. That really opened a lot of eyes. I expect him to keep practicing and playing that hard and truly have a shot at winning the starting RT spot.

 

Deane has had two off the field issues while a Spartan. It would make many call him a bad guy. Sadly, in both cases, they are more indicative of his football issues. Deane is a good kid that made some poor choices. He is maturing and should have what all players hope for: his best year as a senior. Remember Brendon Moss who surprised everyone last year by winning the RG spot as a senior.

 

 

Up next: DT Jerel Worthy