orangebloodgmc
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I will say that Richmond progressed through the season and was showing more promise at the end of the year. I agree that he needs to continue improving and take a big step forward this spring, but it was nice to see the improvement. He was an elite prospect and needs to play like one. We cannot afford anymore busts
Not bad. If we are speculating beyond 2017, don't forget Niehaus and Calbert.
Guys like Niehaus, Brooks, and Calbert are all guys who could help our OL depth immensely if they develop to their full potential. All have perfect good frames to play OT and are athletic. If 2/3 of them can develop to the point of being somewhat reliable depth at OT by 2018, we'll be set on the OL for a while.
That being said, I think they may all be long term prospects who need 2-3 seasons each to get there (and with a guy like Brooks who knows if he ever does).
I'll be honest. I want to argue with you on this post. I really do. I've read it 3 times now, thinking, there is something there to disagree on.
I got nothing. Pretty solid IMO. That really in no way is being disparaging towards these young men either. Strength and weight as well as learning the game at the college level are all things that have to be looked at. Niehaus and Calbert should be good, hopefully by 2018, but maybe not...and there is really nothing wrong with that...usually. We may need them by then though. Brooks is a converted TE though right? He may become good. He may become great. He may not do anything.
Damn it! I was in the mood to argue too. :hi:
Sorry to let ya down. Everybody knows I'm usually up for a good argument around here.
One of the things Butch has gotten some heat over, but I whole heartedly agree with him emphasizing, is that OL is a developmental position. Sometimes it just takes a guy 3-4 years to build the size and strength needed to compete, adapt to the speed of the game, and/or to get to the point where they can execute blocking assignments (which aren't always as simple as "push the guy in front of you out of the way") without overthinking things. Chemistry with the guys you play beside is important too.
Some guys are freaks and are up to it immediately and some guys thrive being thrust into a position they're maybe not quite ready for out of necessity. However there are plenty of guys who become very productive OL who just aren't ready until around their Junior year. It's just how it is.
I think the coaches have loaded up on some OL with great potential (but who will need a good amount of time to get there) over the past two classes. I really wish Tatum could have red shirted last year, as I think size and strength is really all he lacks from being able to be relied on for purposes of depth at least. I worry that we'll miss out on a year of him being a really good OT and possibly the leader on the OL for us as a RS SR. just to see him play emergency snaps as an overmatched 275 lb freshman.
past 2017 what do u think will pan out of the offensive line
my prediction for 2018
LT- richmond( rs JR)
LG- boulware(rs JR)
c- jones (sr)
rg- hall (sr)
RT- smith (soph)
mays will be a freshman backing up either tackle spot
tatum will be depth at tackle
locklear back up center
moseley guard depth
ryan johnson maybe guard depth?
Smith is starting out at LT.