Eiland ready to lead MSU’S front
Mississippi State offensive line coach Mason Miller knew he inherited a good player in Greg Eiland.
He didn’t know just how good until he did a little research.
“He played left tackle for 14 games in 2018 and we won eight of them, so that’s a guy with experience,” Miller said. “I realize he had some struggles against Kentucky, but a lot people did against that guy.”
Eiland, now a senior, will be an anchor for Miller and the Bulldogs as head coach Mike Leach works to install his Air Raid offense during preseason camp.
Miller said he’s been playing a little bit “of musical chairs” with Eiland in practice and isn’t quite sure yet if he will end up at guard or tackle.
“At some point, we need to settle down to where we want to play him,” Miller said. “He’s the one I felt pretty good about. After that, we’ve kind of left some people alone. We’ve tried Scott Lashley at a couple of spots. We’re just trying to put the best five out there. At this point, Greg probably is one that has seen the most.”
It doesn’t matter to Eiland where he ends up. He trusts Miller and Leach to arrange the offensive line to best benefit MSU.
“He’ll figure out the best five for the team and even if that means me moving to a guard position, that’s what needs to be done,” Eiland said.
Eiland has appeared in 37 games in his Bulldog career with 25 starts.
He is no stranger to moving up and down the line after changing from left tackle to right tackle last year.
“It’s not a bad adjustment at all,” Eiland said about changing spots. “It hasn’t been a bad experience at all.”
Miller said he’s been getting about eight offensive linemen ready for game action, including a center. He likes what centers James Jackson and Cole Smith have done in practice.
Lashley, a former West Point High School player and Alabama transfer, has also added some competition in the offensive line room.
“He still does some things that we saw on film that he did at the other school so we’ve got to get those corrected,” Miller said. “When he gets his hands on you, he’s a large human.”
Eiland has known Lashley since their high school days in Mississippi and likes having him a part of the MSU unit.
When it comes to the newcomers and young players, Eiland is ready to lead.
“It’s important for me to step up for the younger guys and even the older guys,” Eiland said. “It’s been fun knowing that you are the one they are looking up to and telling them to stay hungry.”