O-line question???

[Okrastar1]

Are we a better team offensively if Tobias is back this year if its only a limited role and not full time? I feel like the o-line may have been a little out of whack last year when we interchanged linemen and only played Tobias in the "big" games?

[Bo Darville]

Good question. Last year, Malone was every bit as good as Tobias in the passing game. Tobias made a real difference in the running game. He provided a thump that Malone did not. But the interchanging could affect chemistry or continuity along the line. All in all, I would love to have Tobias back, even in a limited role. You can never have too many lineman that are ready to play.

[engie]

With Tobias, Gabe, and Day blocking for Dak and Robinson I really think we could grind games out with the straight up ground and pound approach ala Florida 2010. If our defense has the swag I think we think it's capable of, I wouldn't be shocked to see this at some point...

Last year, Malone left some to be desired in run blocking but I attribute that to him simply not being totally ready physically. In my experience, I never really want to see an OL @ MSU until their third year... Seeing him as a RS fr simply shows us just how high his ceiling is...

[Coach34]

It's certainly true that Malone was not the road grater that Tobias was in the run game- but as Engie said, Malone was just a R-Fr. Tobias has been part of the group for awhile and knows the offense inside out. He will be a big help to the OL. It's one thing to throw a R-Fr or Soph in there- but a 6th year Sr that has been thru the wars will fit in just fine

[Todd4State]

If Tobias physically can't do it, I'd rather him not play. If he can, awesome.

[Homedawg]

Tobais is an "emergency" this year and I mean emergency. Malone is going to be a stud. I believe that.

[PMDawg]

did I miss something? I thought it was pretty well settled that Tobias wasn't playing this year.

[Okrastar1]

I just feel if he can't go every game health wise just go with Malone. Hard to say because if Tobias could have stayed healthy I believe he would be just as coveted as Gabe if not more to the nfl. O-line to me is all about knowing what the man beside you will do every play, and when he came in it seemed like they were a little off at times

[Okrastar1]

PM I'm hearing he truly wants to play, and they are contemplating a part time/big game role like last year.

[PMDawg]

PM I'm hearing he truly wants to play, and they are contemplating a part time/big game role like last year.

Great, if he's up to speed. Has he continued working out? I know he missed the spring.

[Coach34]

of course he has. He took the Spring off to let his body heal. He wants to help the team- and when healthy, he can push people around. It's a no-brainer

eta- he was out there all Spring coaching with the OL, so he knows everything that is going on

[The Croom Diaries]

If Tobias wants to play then I want him in there. He is >>> Archie Muniz. I think I'll take a guy whose been here for six years all day every day, especially a guy like Tobias Smith. From what I hear it sounds like he has pretty much settled in on his future as a football coach and I don't think he has any aspirations of playing in the NFL (although that could change of course), so I don't see why he can't just be a really solid backup for Malone and relieve him especially in crucial running situations - although Justin may be a lot better in that area this fall. Tobias is a solid leader of the line so it would do nothing but enhance our chances if he is out there, or at least on the sidelines coaching 'em up.

[Goat Holder]

Tobias needs to be hired on as a recruiter.