Michigan State center Nick Samac ‘right on track’ in recovery from ‘little off-season thing’
East Lansing, Mich. – Nick Samac has missed almost all of preseason camp at Michigan State thus far, but no one seems to be concerned about his availability or long-term prognosis with the Spartans.
When Michigan State offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic was asked if he expects the fifth-year senior to be ready for the season, Kapilovic’s answer was short and confident.
“I do,” he said.
Samac revealed on Wednesday that he has been battling an upper body ailment which required some off-season care, and continued missed practice time this week.
“It was a little off-season thing, just a little upper body thing that I’m dealing with,” Samac said. “I’m right on track to where I want to be, though and everything is coming together just how I want it to.
“I’m doing good, man. Feeling good. Getting back ready. I’m good. Right on track. Not doing the full practice. (Strength) Coach Novak has me on the right track with conditioning, working on my o-line stuff.
“I’m just trying to get my body back where it needs to be and be in the best condition possible, and ready basically to go to war this year. That’s what it’s going to be.”
Samac (6-4, 305, Sr., Mentor, Ohio) has started 22 games at center of the past four seasons for the Spartans, dating back to his true freshman season of 2019. He was honorable mention All-Big Ten last year and has emerged as a team leader and lynchpin talent. Michigan State needs him on the field, and Kapilovic isn’t worried about his availability. However, Kapilovic develops contingency plans every year.
“I learned a lesson my first year at North Carolina,” Kapilovic said. “I lost three centers in one week. I always thought four centers was enough. After that I’ve had eight to 10 kids snapping year-round.”
Kapilovic gave senior left guard J.D. Duplain extensive practice time at center during the spring. With Samac missing most of August camp to this point, Duplain has been getting a lot of first-string reps at center for Michigan State.
First-string right guard Geno VanDeMark has gotten some time at center. Second string left guard Kevin Wigenton executed some center snaps on Wednesday.
Dallas Fincher (6-4, 305, R-Jr., East Kentwood, Mich.) is technically the second-string center, but others are getting a look at the position as well. Fincher has to make more strides in order to earn complete trust at the position.
“Besides Samac, we are trying to figure out who is the next best center,” Kapilovic said. “He (Duplain) is getting more live reps at it, which is good. He has done a good job there.”
Kapilovic is looking forward to getting Samac back at full blast, next to Duplain, left tackle Brandon Baldwin, VanDeMark and right tackle Spencer Brown.
“A guy with his (Samac’s) athleticism and as many starts as he’s had, he is a guy on the Rimington list,” Kapilovic said. “Every scout that comes in talks to me about him. He’s a factor. Having him in there definitely makes us strong. We’re strong there.”
Samac agrees. He wants to help Michigan State football regain respect on the ground in 2023, after the Spartans finished eighth in the Big Ten in yards per carry in 2022.
“We have great backs in the backfield and great cohesion in the o-line room so we are ready to go to war and make this a statement this year for us,” Samac said.
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