The offensive line is going to be a strength in 2011, which is funny because it is a motley crew of starters. Nick Mondek is a converted defensive linesman. Dennis Kelly was a lightly regarded greyshirt. Ken Plue was a 4-star recruit. Peters Drey and Rick Schmeig were lightly recruited and have played all over the place. Today we're concerned about Mondek.
Nick Mondek - Sr.
Hometown: Naperville, IL (Naperville Central)
Offensive Tackle
6'5", 299 pounds
2011 Projection: Starter at Right Tackle
Mondek switched tot he offensive line successfully last season, earning the starting right tackle job and holding it all year. For the previous two seasons he had been a key reserve at defensive tackle. The needs of the team prevailed though. Mondek's defensive stats were respectable in limited time on the field. Last season he had 11 tackles and two sacks in 11 games. In 2008 he was an Academic All-Big Ten selection and won the team's Newcomer Award. He appeared in all 12 games with seven tackles and a fumble recovery at Michigan State. He very nearly won the starting defensive tackle job over Kawann Short last season. His move to the offensive line also prompted a jersey switch from 99 to 62. He will be a critical starting fifth year senior on the line this year.