Offensive Line

#1
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utvols74

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#1
I looked back at last year's and this year's signees. This is what we've got...

Trey Smith - 6'5", 310, 5-star
Ryan Johnson - 6'6" 288 - 4-star
Marcus Tatum - 6'6" 255 - 4-star
Nate Niehaus - 6'6" 259 - 3-star
Riley Locklear - 6'5" 290 3-star
K'Rojhn Calbot - 6'5" 296 3-star

I'm as concerned about the OL as any group on the field. Our production the last few years seems weak (I remember App State / Ohio guys pushing UT around - all season Dobbs made our OL look better than they were).

My point, it seems we've got the raw materials to work with. When these guys are RS-Jrs (or even Srs), they will have several advantages over higher-star-ranked, under-classman opponents on the DL:
1. S&C for 3-4 years
2. Playing together and knowing each other
3. Knowing the "system"

I remember UT's OL in the mid-late 90s. Not sure about the "star rankings", but they had these 3 elements. Plus....they had a person in CPF who knew how to coach linemen. IMHO, this group should develop with a strong OL coach, little to no attrition or career-ending injuries.

I'm not saying "stars don't matter...". What I am saying is that at some point during a college player's 5-year football tenure (counting a RS year) - S&C, maturity, knowledge, chemistry and coaching-development trumps "star analysis".
 
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#2
#2
utvols74 said:
I looked back at last year's and this year's signees. This is what we've got...

Trey Smith - 6'5", 310, 5-star
Ryan Johnson - 6'6" 288 - 4-star
Marcus Tatum - 6'6" 255 - 4-star
Nate Niehaus - 6'6" 259 - 3-star
Riley Locklear - 6'5" 290 3-star
K'Rojhn Calbot - 6'5" 296 3-star

I'm as concerned about the OL as any group on the field. Our production the last few years seems weak (I remember App State / Ohio guys pushing UT around - all season Dobbs made our OL look better than they were).

My point, it seems we've got the raw materials to work with. When these guys are RS-Jrs (or even Srs), they will have several advantages over higher-star-ranked, under-classman opponents on the DL:
1. S&C for 3-4 years
2. Playing together and knowing each other
3. Knowing the "system"

I remember UT's OL in the mid-late 90s. Not sure about the "star rankings", but they had these 3 elements. Plus....they had a person in CPF who knew how to coach linemen. IMHO, this group should develop with a strong OL coach, little to no attrition or career-ending injuries.

I'm not saying "stars don't matter...". What I am saying is that at some point during a college player's 5-year football tenure (counting a RS year) - S&C, maturity, knowledge, chemistry and coaching-development trumps "star analysis".
Click to expand...

But we were told that Appy State should have been ranked in the top 10.
 
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#3
#3
utvols74 said:
I looked back at last year's and this year's signees. This is what we've got...

Trey Smith - 6'5", 310, 5-star
Ryan Johnson - 6'6" 288 - 4-star
Marcus Tatum - 6'6" 255 - 4-star
Nate Niehaus - 6'6" 259 - 3-star
Riley Locklear - 6'5" 290 3-star
K'Rojhn Calbot - 6'5" 296 3-star

I'm as concerned about the OL as any group on the field. Our production the last few years seems weak (I remember App State / Ohio guys pushing UT around - all season Dobbs made our OL look better than they were).

My point, it seems we've got the raw materials to work with. When these guys are RS-Jrs (or even Srs), they will have several advantages over higher-star-ranked, under-classman opponents on the DL:
1. S&C for 3-4 years
2. Playing together and knowing each other
3. Knowing the "system"

I remember UT's OL in the mid-late 90s. Not sure about the "star rankings", but they had these 3 elements. Plus....they had a person in CPF who knew how to coach linemen. IMHO, this group should develop with a strong OL coach, little to no attrition or career-ending injuries.

I'm not saying "stars don't matter...". What I am saying is that at some point during a college player's 5-year football tenure (counting a RS year) - S&C, maturity, knowledge, chemistry and coaching-development trumps "star analysis".
Click to expand...

You posted their weights which were from the signing /highschool days. I have read that , even under the old S&C coach, they gained 20-30 pounds durin their red shirt year. They also have this off season workouts with a new S&C coach. They are very athletic, especially for Olinemen, and should be ready to go this Fall when needed. You Olinemen which you did not list are all around 300 or more. Oline has the opportunity to be very good this year. I don't see the doom and gloom you seem to have. I know, some need to paint the picture as dark as possible. Nice try.
 
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#4
#4
VOLINVONORE said:
You posted their weights which were from the signing /highschool days. I have read that , even under the old S&C coach, they gained 20-30 pounds durin their red shirt year. They also have this off season workouts with a new S&C coach. They are very athletic, especially for Olinemen, and should be ready to go this Fall when needed. You Olinemen which you did not list are all around 300 or more. Oline has the opportunity to be very good this year. I don't see the doom and gloom you seem to have. I know, some need to paint the picture as dark as possible. Nice try.
Click to expand...

How you could equate what I said was "doom and gloom" seems to stem from a personal issue you're venting on a public forum. (don't know/don't care)

Further, their posted weights was all I have, thus the reason for using it as a starting point. I think everyone realizes (and my post suggests) that with S&C, they could be grow to be very good - perhaps very, very good.

I was basically stating a proposition that our last 2 years of OL recruits could develop into a solid line despite some of the "stars" everyone craves. Now back to your cubicle and meaningless work...
 
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#6
#6
Trey Smith will probably contribute from day 1. The biggest downside to him is he may leave after his junior year. Locklear may actually contribute more in the long run, assuming he red-shirts his first year and then plays 4 years after that. I'd love to get back to starting a lot of redshirt juniors and seniors on the offensive line.
 
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#7
#7
tcash051 said:
Trey Smith will probably contribute from day 1. The biggest downside to him is he may leave after his junior year. Locklear may actually contribute more in the long run, assuming he red-shirts his first year and then plays 4 years after that. I'd love to get back to starting a lot of redshirt juniors and seniors on the offensive line.
Click to expand...

If he leaves after his junior year, there's no downside. It would mean he DOMINATED. :aggressive:
 
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#11
#11
Expecting big improvement in OL (&DL) for 17'. Based on the fact that we were shuffling around injuries all season, S&C maturity, game experience, and even newcomers.

Our depth might look like this w/ crossover.

LT - Richmond / Tatum / Smith /
LG - Robertson / Boulware / Johnson / Smith
C - Thomas / Boulware /
RG - Jones / Kendrick / Mosley
RT - Hall / Tatum / Kendrick / Niehaus

I know it won't end up exactly like this. But, we have got excellent depth built now and some really good SEC level talent in the 2 deep all the way across. The freshman can now safely RS, unless Smith is a freak.

The staff was just 1 year late getting this unit stacked. Jones 1st real class didn't have immediate impact players that it needed. Remember Norman, OK? But, those guys have finally matured and lots of talent has come in behind them each year.

This plus a consistent DT rotation for the entire season makes team 121 LOS strength team vs the liability in injury, and absence of team 120's lines.

Quality lines make for a more consistent team week in and out.
 
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#12
#12
Honestly, we have the best o line group since ... well, probably since the late 90's. I can't think of a better one off the top of my head. We better, because EVERYTHING rides on this O line this year... everything. Butch better have this group running like a well oiled machine with a single minded focus like a special forces unit from day one or it all goes to pot in a hurry. EVERYTHING runs off the o line this year.
 
#13
#13
We are adding Cade Mays to that list next year, hope they replace Mahoney so they can take advantage of all that potential. He is mostly recruiting these O-Lineman? Is it Mahoney? Need to keep him on for recruiting purposes, if so.
 
#14
#14
IluvdoubleD's said:
Honestly, we have the best o line group since ... well, probably since the late 90's. I can't think of a better one off the top of my head. We better, because EVERYTHING rides on this O line this year... everything. Butch better have this group running like a well oiled machine with a single minded focus like a special forces unit from day one or it all goes to pot in a hurry. EVERYTHING runs off the o line this year.
Click to expand...

how bout 2013. we had some really, really good O lines in the 90's...we regularly sent guys to the NFL back then.

in 2-3 years, maybe they're that good. but it's definitley the best group, all around we've had since CBJ's 1st year.
 
#17
#17
utvols74 said:
I looked back at last year's and this year's signees. This is what we've got...

Trey Smith - 6'5", 310, 5-star
Ryan Johnson - 6'6" 288 - 4-star
Marcus Tatum - 6'6" 255 - 4-star
Nate Niehaus - 6'6" 259 - 3-star
Riley Locklear - 6'5" 290 3-star
K'Rojhn Calbot - 6'5" 296 3-star

I'm as concerned about the OL as any group on the field. Our production the last few years seems weak (I remember App State / Ohio guys pushing UT around - all season Dobbs made our OL look better than they were).

My point, it seems we've got the raw materials to work with. When these guys are RS-Jrs (or even Srs), they will have several advantages over higher-star-ranked, under-classman opponents on the DL:
1. S&C for 3-4 years
2. Playing together and knowing each other
3. Knowing the "system"

I remember UT's OL in the mid-late 90s. Not sure about the "star rankings", but they had these 3 elements. Plus....they had a person in CPF who knew how to coach linemen. IMHO, this group should develop with a strong OL coach, little to no attrition or career-ending injuries.

I'm not saying "stars don't matter...". What I am saying is that at some point during a college player's 5-year football tenure (counting a RS year) - S&C, maturity, knowledge, chemistry and coaching-development trumps "star analysis".
Click to expand...
I see the OL as an absolute strength

Chance Hall 4 star OG
Drew Richmond 5 star OT
Trey Smith 5 star OT
Jack Jones 4 star OG
Venzell Boulware...the rest of the best and most important players you forgot about.

I'm done. Hope you feel better. No safe space necessary.
 
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#19
#19
Biopsyman said:
Depends on whether you want to believe
Click to expand...

I'm Republican.
tumblr_lwirawN13q1r8o5tzo1_500.gif
 
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#21
#21
livefaith said:
Expecting big improvement in OL (&DL) for 17'. Based on the fact that we were shuffling around injuries all season, S&C maturity, game experience, and even newcomers.

Our depth might look like this w/ crossover.

LT - Richmond / Tatum / Smith /
LG - Robertson / Boulware / Johnson / Smith
C - Thomas / Boulware /
RG - Jones / Kendrick / Mosley
RT - Hall / Tatum / Kendrick / Niehaus

I know it won't end up exactly like this. But, we have got excellent depth built now and some really good SEC level talent in the 2 deep all the way across. The freshman can now safely RS, unless Smith is a freak.

The staff was just 1 year late getting this unit stacked. Jones 1st real class didn't have immediate impact players that it needed. Remember Norman, OK? But, those guys have finally matured and lots of talent has come in behind them each year.

This plus a consistent DT rotation for the entire season makes team 121 LOS strength team vs the liability in injury, and absence of team 120's lines.

Quality lines make for a more consistent team week in and out.
Click to expand...

Best starting lineup would be:
Kendrick LT
Robertson LG
Thomas C
Jones RG
Hall RT

Most likely lineup:
Richmond LT(jones is fighting the stigma that UT is where 5 stars go to die)
Robertson LG
Thomas C
Jones/Smith RG
Kendrick RT

Its a real shame that folks can't let go of stars kids come out of HS with and just look at how they actually perform against the best talent.
 
#22
#22
bktennbear said:
Best starting lineup would be:
Kendrick LT
Robertson LG
Thomas C
Jones RG
Hall RT

Most likely lineup:
Richmond LT(jones is fighting the stigma that UT is where 5 stars go to die)
Robertson LG
Thomas C
Jones/Smith RG
Kendrick RT

Its a real shame that folks can't let go of stars kids come out of HS with and just look at how they actually perform against the best talent.
Click to expand...

Having Kendrick at LT is like playing with 4 on the OL... he is sloooooooow
 
#25
#25
Don't know what the "best" line up will be until Smith puts pads on... but the battle at LT is wide open.

Kendrick has been effective by knowing how to play the position but is nowhere near as physically talented as Hall, Richmond, or Smith. Kendrick would probably make a better OG if they would put him there and leave him there but the need has always been OT.

Smith is a physical stud. He could be ready by August.

Richmond has an experience advantage over Smith and a talent advantage over Kendrick.

This will be a really interesting battle.

RT then comes down IMO to the two losers at LT and Hall. My hope is that they settle LT early then let the same players work together rather than dragging it out.

OG... put'em in a bag and shake'em up. A lot of talented guys.

IMHO, this is the most talent UT has had on the OL roster since I've been following the team closely. My HOPE is that the problem was Mahoney. My FEAR is that the problem is Jones. We will see.
 
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