Starting last week, the Idaho State Journal began previewing the top five storylines to watch during Idaho State’s spring football practices, which begin Thursday. They are listed in no particular order.

Can ISU replace Skyler Phillips in the offensive line?

For all the inconsistencies Idaho State has weathered on its offensive line over the last few seasons, one thing coaches could always count on was Skyler Phillips winning battles in the trenches.

The Bengals’ five-year, do-everything blocker could step into any of the five spots on the O-line, filling any vacancy ISU had because of injury, limited depth or otherwise.

With Phillips preparing for a potential NFL career, Idaho State turns to his replacement. Phillips and Chase Collins departed from last year’s O-line corps, leaving two holes on the right side of the Bengals’ front.

To ease the pressure, three offensive linemen return. Dallen Collins will be a three-year starting center, Jacob Molenaar has two seasons of consistent playing time at left guard on his resume, and Brian Fineanganofo has been touted as a professional prospect at left tackle.

Possible fill-ins for Phillips and Chase Collins include Snow College transfer Preston Holfeltz — who will participate in spring practices — 6-foot-6 redshirt junior Dakota Wilson and 6-foot-7 redshirt junior Garrett Smith. Wilson and Smith have played valuable snaps in reserve roles the last two seasons and were the unit’s top backups in 2017. Smith played nine games, making one start at right guard, while Wilson played all 11 games, making one start at center and another at right guard.

While the Bengals’ running game flourished in 2017, the team’s quarterbacks were sacked a Big Sky Conference-high 34 times for minus-177 yards. The two new starters will be tasked with helping the line improve in pass protection, while staying steady in the run game in front of all-conference running backs Ty Flanagan and James Madison.

Phillips was a rare, versatile talent who performed well at the NFL Scouting Combine. His replacement won’t be expected to fill his shoes.

But Phillips’ absence will put the line under a microscope as the junior-heavy group looks to improve after losing its most valuable asset.