A look at the OL

[Bayfieldgopher]

This is an interesting study.

One could get pretty excited knowing that the OL has over 100 starts between them which ranks first in the Big Ten and #8 in the nation. Last year 8 of the 10 top ranked teams had over 65combined starts. But when one looks closer, the projected starters, Stommes (1), Alford (10), Davis (5), Carufel(2 or 3 ND) and Wills(0) are short of 20. Yet the two deep Wynn, Tavale, Burris, T/A. Orton, Ruckdaschel, etc total over 80. Tavale and Burris each have more starts than the current 5 totaled. Has a CFB team ever had that many starts with its reserves?

One can assume the new 5 will bring more talent and size but lack CFB playing time compared to the reserves. Coach Davis has stirred the pot and it appears he has a set 5 (Davis at C may be pushed by T/A in the Fall) that held together during Spring ball. Yet this bunch is a pretty green group. Stommes was a big surprise starter when Coach Davis showed up has the looks of a tackle,, Alford in a new position LG which is a better spot for him, Davis has played, Carufel has the pub, and Wills the size but ???. Yet Wynn, Tavale and Burris have not been able to reclaim their starts. We have seldom seen vets get bumped but I look at that as a good sign.

So we will see a new OL backed up by a ton of experience. I think eveyone trusts that the OL will be in good hands with Coach Davis, has given the vets a fair shot, and he will put the best 5 out there who will give us a chance to be successful.

IMO, the revamped OL is still the #1 concern for this team.

 

[ulfr]

I agree that O-line performance, especially moving away from Dunbar football, will be the biggest difference between being bowl bound or not. So many fresh faces leaves nothing but uncertainty, yet there is absolutely no way to accept last years performances as passable.

I was actually lying awake after working a late shift this morning contemplating the O-line myself mostly because Rivals apparently still sends me updates on last years fav list misses and they had a nice piece on Lewan this morning. Probably one of the most disappointing misses last recruiting cycle because I really thought we had him and lord knows we need more of his ilk. Then again as a 6'4'' 350 pound man myself I am OL biased to say the least...

Oh well, If "your"/our Mr Brewster goes out and gets a certain kid from Albert St and Randolph Av in Saint Paul I am sure I won't remember Lewan in a year.


And in the mean time heres hoping Carufel and Wills bring a much needed anchoring to our revamped line.