EAST LANSING -- Michigan State offensive line coach Mark Staten has been using a cane and golf cart to get around spring practices after undergoing knee replacement surgery in the offseason.
The rehabilitation period hasn't appeared to slow down Staten, as the Spartans' offensive line has won their share of battles this spring against what's fast becoming one of the best defensive lines in the country.
ESPN.com writer Brian Bennett recently compiled a list of underrated assistant coaches in the Big Ten, and Staten was one of the five identified.
Bennett wrote: "The Spartans have fielded some of the best offensive lines in school history the past couple of seasons, and could be the best in the Big Ten this year with potential All-Americans in left tackle Jack Conklin and center Jack Allen.