Michigan State lands transfer portal offensive lineman Luke Newman
Michigan State dipped into the transfer portal once again on Jan. 20, landing portal offensive lineman Luke Newman. Newman spent the weekend in East Lansing on an official visit. He announced his commitment via social media.
Newman—who entered the transfer portal on Nov. 27—did not announce his offers via social media, but tells SpartanMag.com he originally narrowed his list down to Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Illinois, Purdue, Wake Forest, and Duke. He spent the previous four season with Holy Cross.
The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder is a Bloomfield, Mich., native, attending Brother Rice High School. Newman was named a FCS All-American by multiple outlets. He was also named first-team All-Patriot League three times while at Holy Cross.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newman grades out as No. 4 in the nation at the offensive tackle position with FBS and FCS divisions combined. He’s allowed just one sack, no hits and three hurries this season on 325 pass-blocking snaps.
The transfer offensive lineman connected with Michigan State offensive line coach Jim Michalczik during an unofficial visit in December.
“He is a great dude,” Newman told SpartanMag.com in December. “Certainly someone who is going to push me to be my best and someone I can learn a lot from.
“Coach M likes a lot of my quickness and athleticism. It complements his true schemes very well. Also bringing a veteran presence and experience.”
Michigan State also landed former Oregon State offensive lineman Tanner Miller from the transfer portal earlier this offseason. Miller projects on the interior offensive line, likely filling a need at the center position, while Newman battles returning starter Geno VanderMark, along with unproven young talent in Gavin Broscious, Kristian Phillips, Cole Dellinger, and others at the interior offensive line positions.
