FSN Position Preview: Gophers ripe with depth, experience on offensive line

[BleedGopher]

per FSN:

Head coach Jerry Kill says: "I think playing physical in the bowl game, even though we didn't win, excited them a little bit; and competition is good. You can't sit up there and be an offensive lineman and say, 'I can get comfortable today. There's nobody behind me.' When there's somebody pushing you, when people get comfortable, that's when you get in trouble. And so I think we've got some areas that we've got a little bit of depth."

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/colle...h-experience-on-of?blockID=923509&feedID=5930

Go Gophers!!

 

[jaymil]

per FSN:

Head coach Jerry Kill says: "I think playing physical in the bowl game, even though we didn't win, excited them a little bit; and competition is good. You can't sit up there and be an offensive lineman and say, 'I can get comfortable today. There's nobody behind me.' When there's somebody pushing you, when people get comfortable, that's when you get in trouble. And so I think we've got some areas that we've got a little bit of depth."

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/colle...h-experience-on-of?blockID=923509&feedID=5930

Go Gophers!!

Definitely a little worried about center. I think Christenson will do a decent job, but what if he gets hurt and Bobek isn't healthy? I'm guessing that would mean moving Epping to center and Olson steps in at guard, but that's a pretty big downgrade at guard, a position that Epping plays very well. I can't believe how snakebitten this offensive line has been the past few years.

 

[MinnesotaNice]

What about Isaac Hayes? I wonder if he has progressed enough to get considered for some PT this year.

 

[beavergopher]

Imagine if Gjere and Michel were still playing. We have had some tough luck with O linemen.

 

[BleedGopher]

STrib: Despite injuries, Kill pleased with Gophers offensive line depth

"We’ve got more depth, and I think we’re stronger physically. We’re trying to get back to where [Glen] Mason was back when [Marion] Barber and all those guys were playing. Those were prolific offenses, and we’re trying to get back to that.

"Our tight ends are big, even our freshmen are 255, 265, 270 [pounds], so we’re trying to get back to being more like that from an offensive side of the ball."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/217145521.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[Indi1006]

Our TEs are maulers and frankly I wouldn't want to be a LBer lining up against Goodger and Plsek, et al. We should be able to seal the corner and break off some bigger runs this year.

 

[Sumtimegophs]

How does Tommy Olson go from a starter as a TFr to a back up as a Jr? I thought he showed a lot as a TFr. Are Epping and Bak that much better?

Bak is 6'3" and Epping is 6'2", short for OG by B1G and BCS standards while Tommy is 6'4". All are over 300 pounds. I thought TO was a big time recruit when he signed and was not surprised when he started. Did his concussion set him back that much?

 

[t-docious]

How does Tommy Olson go from a starter as a TFr to a back up as a Jr? I thought he showed a lot as a TFr. Are Epping and Bak that much better?

Bak is 6'3" and Epping is 6'2", short for OG by B1G and BCS standards while Tommy is 6'4". All are over 300 pounds. I thought TO was a big time recruit when he signed and was not surprised when he started. Did his concussion set him back that much?

lets wait to see the depth chart after camp before we get all up in arms!