MSU’s Brian Allen on Rimington Trophy watch list

East Lansing — How quickly Michigan State’s offensive line develops will likely be a big part of whether the Spartans bounce back in 2017.

And the anchor of that unit could be primed for a big season as senior center Brian Allen was been named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List. The Rimington Trophy annually recognizes the most outstanding center in college football.

Allen has played 38 career games while starting 25 (16 at left guard, five at right guard, four at center). He is was one of only three players on the team and the only offensive lineman to start every game in 2016.

The Hinsdale, Ill., native has earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media in each of the past two seasons and started three positions on the offensive line as a junior -- five at left guard, two at center and five at right guard for five games.

Also on the watch list is Central Michigan’s Austin Doan and Western Michigan’s John Keenoy.

matt.charboneau@detroitnews.com

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