Offensive Line coach Dan Larson on the youth and depth up front

North Dakota State has had an offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft each of the three years and potentially could have a fourth in a couple of weeks.

That level of talent means that is extra attention that comes to that position group and its coach, Dan Larson. The Bison offensive line has some decisions to make over the coming months with three starters graduating, left tackle Jalen Sundell, right guard Jake Kubas and center Brandon Westberg.

The Bison received some welcome news in late December when senior Grey Zabel announced he was going to return to NDSU and turn down significant NIL money to transfer. Zabel started the final ten games of 2023 at right tackle. He will be joined by Ada's Mason Miller, who also is a fifth-year senior that has started 26 career games.

That experience will be huge for a group that beyond those two players has two career starts, each belonging to sixth-year player Jake Rock. Rock and fellow sixth-year lineman Hunter Poncius are in the mix to fill those open spots, according to Larson.

Larson also has his eyes on some young players that could make an immediate impact. Redshirt freshmen Beau Johnson, Jack Liwienski and Griffin Empey all have earned rave reviews during spring football.

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