Our best OL combo

[NighthawkVol]

Appreciate the props on the analysis.

I will concede that I'm sure CJP and staff likely envision Mays at OG and Wright at OT and that's probably the permanent combo that we'll end up seeing at some point in the season (perhaps this weekend). I was just giving my opinion (which obviously doesn't matter at all) on who I thought was the best 5 at this moment. I watched Mays some at GA and I anticipated him being the starter at OG as well. I was really surprised how athletic he was at OT. OT is the 2nd hardest position in all of football IMO (as evident by how their compensated in the NFL). Good one's are extremely hard to find. Gotta have a huge base (315-330), a long reach, and be athletic enough to block probably the best athletes on the field (SEC Edge rushers).

I agree about J. Johnson. It seems like staff like him at least as well as D. Wright at the moment as evidence by his week 1 start. It could be Wright is just a little behind on his conditioning due to missed practice, Covid, etc and they've been playing him into shape. At times, Wright looks like he's picking his feet up out of cement.

The guy I expected to be in the rotation who isn't is K'Rojhn Calbert. I thought he might even steal a starting spot at RG or RT if Mays hadn't become eligible. But we haven't seen him at all. In the past, not only would he be a starter, he'd be one of our best OLinemen. The fact that he hasn't sniffed the field is a testament to how much better this OLine has become.

Assuming Mays and Smith go pro after this year, I'd expect him to be a factor in 2021.

 

[keenobserver]

The guy I expected to be in the rotation who isn't is K'Rojhn Calbert. I thought he might even steal a starting spot at RG or RT if Mays hadn't become eligible. But we haven't seen him at all. In the past, not only would he be a starter, he'd be one of our best OLinemen. The fact that he hasn't sniffed the field is a testament to how much better this OLine has become.

Assuming Mays and Smith go pro after this year, I'd expect him to be a factor in 2021.

I consider Calbert a serviceable backup. His playing time last season was due to Wrights freshman struggles and Johnsons inability to maintain a specified weight and stay healthy.

I agree he'll be a front runner (I think at OG, along with Spraggins) next season. Center will be a nice battle between little Mays and Carvin.

 

[NighthawkVol]

I consider Calbert a serviceable backup. His playing time last season was due to Wrights freshman struggles and Johnsons inability to maintain a specified weight and stay healthy.

I agree he'll be a front runner (I think at OG, along with Spraggins) next season. Center will be a nice battle between little Mays and Carvin.

Wonder if Locklear might be a part of that Center battle. He was recruited as a Center. Lampley doesn't seem to be making much noise. Of course, Kennedy could come back for a 7th year.

 

[keenobserver]

Wonder if Locklear might be a part of that Center battle. He was recruited as a Center. Lampley doesn't seem to be making much noise. Of course, Kennedy could come back for a 7th year.

Locklear and Kennedy are both seniors and you're right, I suppose it's possible they both return. However, if I had to wager, I'd bet Cooper Mays will be a 4 year starter at C for us beginning next season.

He's tough, relentless, and he'll be the only C that focuses all his efforts only on playing center, much like BK...

 

[NighthawkVol]

Locklear and Kennedy are both seniors and you're right, I suppose it's possible they both return. However, if I had to wager, I'd bet Cooper Mays will be a 4 year starter at C for us beginning next season.

He's tough, relentless, and he'll be the only C that focuses all his efforts only on playing center, much like BK...

If Kennedy does come back, we could redshirt Mays next season and he'd be a 3rd year freshman in 2022...and then start 4 years.

 

[keenobserver]

How many snaps did Spraggin get ? Someone stated yesterday he also played well. I’m all for rotating lineman and keeping them fresh as long as we only rotate lineman who have done a good job in the first two games.

I think without the cupcake games and limited preseason scrimmaging, I honestly think we've been trying to indentify the best 5-6 and where to play them specifically....I think we'll see more continuity in the coming weeks as the offensive line generally needs it to play as one unit.