Do we have 5 future NFL offensive lineman starting this season?

#1
General Jack

General Jack

Vorschlaghammer
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#1
Going down the starters, its seems like you could make a solid case for at least 4.

A Parker SR 6'3 300 Jonesboro, GA - 2008 Pre-season (1st team unanimous selection); 2007 All-America Rivals.com (3rd); 2007 All-SEC Coaches, Associated Press and Rivals.com

R Foster SR 6'6 325 Henning, TN - 2008 Pre-season All SEC (2nd); 2007 All-SEC Rivals.com (2nd); 2005 Freshman All-SEC Coaches

J McNeil JR 6'4 280 Collins, MS - 2008 Pre-season All SEC (3rd); 2007 All-SEC Associated Press (honorable mention); 2007 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Oct. 13); 2006 Freshman All-America Rivals.com; 2006 Freshman All-SEC Coaches; 2005 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll

J McClendon JR 6'3 320 Cleveland, TN - 2007 Academic All-SEC; and, of course, benches 645... you figure someone would pick him up for the strength alone

C Scott JR 6'5 310 Riverdale, GA; he doesn't have the accolades bestowed by the media and he was hampered by a slow start due to his weight, but was a very promising recruit who has started 14 games for us and has developed an NFL frame.

Even when looked at without the orange colored glasses, this really shapes up to be a wicked offensive line. Besides the media hype, all are experienced and have been solid contributors for us.

I think it could be the best O-line we've had since either our 1999 group that sent Chad Clifton, Fred Weary, and Cosey Coleman to the NFL, or maybe the 1994 group that sent Jason Layman, Jeff Smith, Bubba Miller and Leslie Ratliffe to the league. Common denominator with those 2 groups... they could run on anybody.
 
#2
#2
That gets me excited. You know AF likes the look of your post.

Now, results, #%&@*!
 
#3
#3
In recent seasons what our o-line seems to have lacked IMO is a mean streak. We could sure use some Jason Layman influnce on this bunch tellin the QB to just shut up and call the play. I like this crew though, even Scott...he reminds me of Chad Clifton.
 
#5
#5
General Jack said:
Nothing would make me happier than to ram the ball down the gators throats. That would REALLY make me excited.
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Better yet: opening play, power set, play-action downfield for a TD ala Bama '95. :)

You'll be with me, I assume?
 
#7
#7
I'm cautiously optimistic about this group. Too many times the o-line has looked to be a team strength heading into the season and turned out to be less than stellar.
 
#8
#8
I'm with you, Freak. While the group looks great in print, the last few years have me a little uneasy. Of course, the sack stat from last year was a nice surprise, but let's move the ball! Time for those manly weight-room numbers to produce some on-the-field intimidation.
 
#9
#9
vol_freak said:
I'm cautiously optimistic about this group. Too many times the o-line has looked to be a team strength heading into the season and turned out to be less than stellar.
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The O-line was less then stellar are the position players behind them less then stellar??
 
#11
#11
Don't forget that we are installing a brand new offense as well as a new quarterback that won't throw the ball away once every three downs.
 
#12
#12
we ran the ball a whole lot better with vlad n big jac when they were playing both guards spots b/c they both are big n mean... wat i think we might do is hav parker com in and play center a couple series to giv mcneil some rest and vice versa...i do think that all 5 will get drafted as well as vlad
 
#13
#13
McNeil and Parker, definitely drafted. I can also see McClendon and Foster, but I wonder a little bit about Scott still
 
#15
#15
vol_freak said:
I'm cautiously optimistic about this group. Too many times the o-line has looked to be a team strength heading into the season and turned out to be less than stellar.
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They were solid in the passing game, average in the run game last year. If we manage to open up the run more they'll be pretty darn good this year.
 
#16
#16
Well, I know which gaps we'll be trying to run through based on the info provided through here and various other websites.

If the stats are accurate on weight, then the line is 8 pounds heavier on average than last year. I hope the weight is the increase of muscle mass. If so, even on less talent, I feel our OL would be fine on strength alone.

But it's been shown that from Center to LT, all 3 of those guys are talented. McClendon will be a force, and Scott just has to prove himself. But if the ole line coach has Scott starting at RT instead of McClendon, then that says something about his talent level.
 
#18
#18
Waiting for this season is killin' me. I have never been this excited a/b a college football season, even more excited then 05 preseason (hopefully different results). I even want school to start b/c then we are officially one month away, 30 days from football season. We start school on aug 1. but a/b the o-line, i think besides the secondary this is our best group. I really think this o-line will dominate in all facets of the game
 
#20
#20
It definitely appears on paper that our o-line is one of our strengths this year. Our recruiting class that is currently being built is also shaping up to carry this on into the future. I have high hopes for the future of our running game.
 
#21
#21
I will be interested to see how the OLINe adapts to Clawson's "Strong" and "Quick" shuffling of the OLINE
 
#22
#22
TreeGreen said:
They were solid in the passing game, average in the run game last year. If we manage to open up the run more they'll be pretty darn good this year.
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I would say above average, but it was their inconsistent play that kept them from being very good. Our failure to generate running based drives against UF is out pit-fall, and that must stop with this group. It's beginning to develop into a stigma with our team.
 
#23
#23
DC Vol said:
I would say above average, but it was their inconsistent play that kept them from being very good. Our failure to generate running based drives against UF is out pit-fall, and that must stop with this group. It's beginning to develop into a stigma with our team.
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Agree with that. The O-line showed flashes last year with run blocking but were just a little too inconsistant. Great pass protection though. But with all returning I expect us to rush for 2000 yards as a team this year easy. That should open up the play action and deep ball which as we know is Crompton's strength ala Tee Martin. Man I see a lot of similarities with the '98 offense and this years O. Not saying we're going to go undefeated and win the NC but I am as excited about our potential on O as I have been in a very long time.
 
#24
#24
People are getting way to pumped up about this offensive line. This just proves my point more about how stats like sacks given up, pct. %, etc. don't matter at all. Anyone and I mean anyone with half a brain that watched Tennessee last year knows why we only gave up 4 sacks.

If you don't know, then Gramps up in Row 77, Section C will tell you how.

When I see a Tennessee line come off and punch people in the mouth, put them on their heels, 5 yards back, Attack! Attack! Attack!, that's the day I will give them props. The last time we came off the line consistently like that was 2004.
 
#25
#25
Business said:
People are getting way to pumped up about this offensive line. This just proves my point more about how stats like sacks given up, pct. %, etc. don't matter at all. Anyone and I mean anyone with half a brain that watched Tennessee last year knows why we only gave up 4 sacks.

If you don't know, then Gramps up in Row 77, Section C will tell you how.

When I see a Tennessee line come off and punch people in the mouth, put them on their heels, 5 yards back, Attack! Attack! Attack!, that's the day I will give them props. The last time we came off the line consistently like that was 2004.
Click to expand...

great analysis.
 
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