Next Year's O-Line

Here's the depth chart as I see it (year as of next season):

LT - Jackson (So), Johnston (R-Jr)
LG - Brown (R-Sr), Hemsley (R-Jr), Vera-Tucker (So), Daniel (Sr or R-Jr?)
C - Lobendahn (R-Sr), C. Smith (R-Jr), Neilon (So)
RG - Voorhees (So), Austin (R-Jr), Martin (R-So)
RT - Edoga (Sr), McKenzie (So), N. Smith (R-So)

Starters have a lot of experience and are 60% Sr/R-Sr; average 299 lbs (if the roster is to be believed). Solid depth.

We have the horses - just to make sure we have the right coaching and S&C.

 

Looks like basically the same group that just got their asses whooped

 

Hopefully they will be protecting a R-Jr QB.

 

Mass kicks Ass!

 

add the following:

C - Justin Dedich (Fr ) 6'2" 273lbs
G - Liam Douglass (Fr) 6'5" 263lbs

 

Hopefully this group can avoid the injury bug and gel over the next spring and fall. They absolutely will have the experience.

 

Is a spring camp and fall camp going to make them that much better?
Are they going to get any stronger physically?
Will our TE's be able to block a crashing DE?

We can all hope the answers are all 'yes' or it will be more of the same and potentially worse.

 

It should be better across the board - Voorhees & Jackson hopefully making the freshman to sophomore jump, Toa moving to center (I think he's an upgrade from Nico), and more senior leadership.

But if there's no improvement in S&C and they don't get coached up better, Helton goes straight to the hot seat.

 

This next season will be a pivotal one for him. If nothing changes along the oline in any way, shape, or form it will start getting warm.

 

If Sam goes to the NFL then Helton is already on the hot seat. It's Helton final year on his contract so he will get extra attention.

 

There are a few people saying this but the two QB’s behind him are just as capable IMO.

 

we need a tight end who can block, that was the big issue in the Cotton Bowl. Gawd knows why we never use a fullback.

 

2017 top 10 offensive lineman size rankings

1) Alabama – 6’4.8″ – 314 lbs.
2) Florida State – 6’5.8″ – 313.4 lbs.
3) Ohio State – 6’5.2″ – 308.4 lbs.
4) Oklahoma – 6’4.4″ – 324.2 lbs.
5) USC – 6’3.6 ” – 296 lbs (below average)
6) Clemson – 6’4.4″ – 318 lbs.
7) Penn State – 6’5.2″ – 318.6 lbs.
8) Washington – 6’4.8″ – 306
9) Auburn – 6’4.8″ – 317.8 lbs.
10) Florida – 6’4.2 ” – 314.6 lbs.

 

Preseason top 10

 

I think you are right. Nobody seems to have much confidence in them. If the O-line steps up I think they will do alright. The rest of the team should be loaded. It should be fun!

 

Let's hope we get Penei and have him compete as well!
Fight On!

 

Assuming USC doesn't sign anymore Olinemen for the 2018 class that makes 17 Olinemen on scholarship. If Callaway can't find 5 guys to lead that group then he definitely needs to go.

 

Didn't they make a conscious effort to recruit lighter, leaner guys?

 

At least they'll be a year older.

The best news to me is that they move Toa to center and Jackson out to LT. That should improve both spots IMO.

 

At Alabama, Dedich and Douglas would be 320 after their frosh year.