*The third installment of a series highlighting position groups on the 2023 Morehead State football team. Next up, the offensive line.
Despite being overlooked individually, the offensive line is one of, if not the, most important position group in football. Games are both won and lost in the trenches, and the Eagle offensive linemen are ready to lead the way for Morehead State in 2023.
Brady Foltz is entering his first season as MSU's offensive line coach, bringing both coaching and playing experience with him to lead a deep offensive line group. Foltz was a two time All-Big 12 selection for the Horned Frogs of TCU as a player, and has coached offensive line at both Texas-Permian Basin and Northeastern State.
"Since joining the Morehead State football staff this spring, it has been a great pleasure to coach and mold the big boys up front on the offensive side of the ball," Foltz said. "We have set a new standard and created a new identity in the room. All the guys have bought in and I'm excited to see their hard work and dedication come to fruition this fall."
Foltz is set to lead a group with limited experience as Eagles, but a lot to prove heading into 2023 as Morehead State attempts to rebound from a tough 2022 campaign. Returning players include Andrew Belford, Corey Shaffer, Jaxsen Spears, James Wayne, JT Self, Joe Cannedy, Tommy Wright, & Zach Tong. Spears & Wayne have the most experience amongst the group, with Spears being named Preseason All-PFL by Phil Steele and Wayne coming off a season where he played in 10 of 11 games. Coach Foltz had high praise for the leadership exhibited by Spears headed into the season.
"The one leader that has stuck out has been Jaxsen Spears. He is one of the most experienced guys up front, and has led from the front ever since Spring Ball."
New faces in the group include four true freshmen -- Art Clayton, Drew Dickerson, Drue Duncan, & Trenton Evans – along with five transfers – Alex Tapia, Logan Wong, Torbyn Eakins, Xavier Orta, & Zach Fish. In discussing the newcomers, Foltz noted that they "have really made a great transition into the Morehead State offensive line group, and have given us great depth in the room."
The Eagles kickoff the season on August 31 at Jayne Stadium vs. West Virginia State.
