I know a lot, maybe even most people will say that the biggest question mark for next year is QB, but I really think it is 100% offensive line. It could be the difference between a surprisingly good season and a surprisingly bad season. Will they be improved from a year ago? I think there are reasons for both optimism and pessimism here. Here's a list of the positions that feel most likely to be steady in descending order:
1. Mason Richman -- Really pretty solid at RT last year by the end of the year. He took some lumps, but started as a RS Freshman. I think he takes a big jump in size this year and I think his experience will lead to a big leap this year. He also seems like a pretty natural leader, based on videos and interviews.
2. Conor Colby -- Similar to Richman, he played pretty well by year end and has a mean streak that shows on tape. Also like Richman, I think we'll see a physical and mental leap forward from year 1 to year 2 with him. I think the leap from guys playing at 295 to 310ish will actually make a big difference. We were so young last year. Physical gains in strength and mass will be really helpful.
3. Jack Plumb -- He really struggled a lot last year, as evidenced by Hutchinson's highlight reel, but did show improvement. He's also put on a fair amount of weight in the off season. That tall frame looked pretty lean still last year. I'm really hopeful that we can get two years out of him (covid year) because if he can play at 325 and maintain his ability to move, he could be a solid contributor. Barnett has said "don't bet against Jack Plumb." I really hope he's right. Has put in the work and having 1 solid senior in the starting lineup would be very helpful.
4. Justin Britt -- Here's where things get less clear. If Britt plays this year, I think there's a lot more reason to feel optimistic. But I don't put a high percentage on that likelihood based on his past injuries. Would be a great story if he can stay healthy and he seems to have all the tools.
5. Tyler Elsbury -- Seemed like the starter by the end of spring ball. I think he was kind of the forgotten man with some of the shinier younger recruits, but it seems like he's starting to make a push. He could also end up being the starter at center. That said, we still haven't really seen him play so it's hard to put a ton of stock into how he will be at this point.
6. Logan Jones -- Can he be the starter this year? Extremely physically gifted. Weight room hero. Great attitude. That said, when Linderbaum switched from D-Line, there was an immediate buzz of "we are not going to have to worry about center. Not so this time, which is not at all surprising... no one would put that kind of expectation on anyone. That said, can he play well enough to ensure that there won't be a catastrophic drop off a this position. Going from the best we've ever had to someone who is just learning the position. I'll be cheering loudly for him.
7. Nick DeJong -- Started or played in almost every game last year, but struggled mightily. Former walk-on with a big frame and lots of experience. I think it's really possible he finds his groove at guard. I wouldn't underestimate the walk-on mentality here.
Michael Myslinski -- If he's recovered from his injury, word was he was looking pretty good last year as a backup center. His father is a strength and conditioning coach (for the Jaguars I believe?) and so physically he's had a lot of resources at his disposal. Will be an important one to watch in the fall.
8. Beau Stevens -- got perhaps less press than his classmate Davidkov, but has stayed healthier and has gotten pretty good buzz. Can he make a dent at one of the guard spots?
9. David Davidkov -- injuries have been an issue, but seems like he has tons of potential. Will be exciting to see him after a year in the strength and conditioning program.
10. Gennings Dunker -- kind of a weight room legend after the Petras story about protein shakes. Big strong guy who seems very hungry. Would love to see him make a push at guard.
11. Josh Volk -- Fairly highly rated kid who's made some appearances on the 2 deeps.
12. Matt Fagan -- Walk on who was in contention for some time at center. I don't know much about him, but he's good enough to have at least been in the mix.
SOME OBSERVATIONS
A lot of depth, and a fair amount of experience, except for a the center position.
a VERY young group with a ton of potential.
Going to be really interesting to see how much these guys have matured physically since last year. That's true for the 4 star young guys, but also true for the developmental guys who've been in the program a long time. Competition is going to be fierce.
Our D-Line is SO strong this year, that this group will get PUSHED. That is great, and will help them develop, but it will also require them to really have a lot of resilience because I'd be surprised if practices don't favor the defense (even the second unit) just as they did in the spring game.
If this group struggles, so will Petras. If this group develops consistency, I think they'll make Petras (or whoever is under center) look pretty decent.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS
1. This group didn't look ready in the spring. That's ok, but it might take a good part of the season for them to find their chemistry. Barnett's biggest preaching point is the importance of not rushing the O-line development...that you can't microwave good O-line play. It will be really interesting to see how that approach plays out for the offense the next couple of years. I love his approach and frankly I believe in it, but there will be a lot of rumblings if it takes this group a long time to come together.
2. Health: It's a young group. Yes there's depth, but not a lot of experience. If they can stay healthy, I think a big step can be taken forward. If there are a lot of injuries, I think we're a year away from really being a good O-line.
1. Mason Richman -- Really pretty solid at RT last year by the end of the year. He took some lumps, but started as a RS Freshman. I think he takes a big jump in size this year and I think his experience will lead to a big leap this year. He also seems like a pretty natural leader, based on videos and interviews.
2. Conor Colby -- Similar to Richman, he played pretty well by year end and has a mean streak that shows on tape. Also like Richman, I think we'll see a physical and mental leap forward from year 1 to year 2 with him. I think the leap from guys playing at 295 to 310ish will actually make a big difference. We were so young last year. Physical gains in strength and mass will be really helpful.
3. Jack Plumb -- He really struggled a lot last year, as evidenced by Hutchinson's highlight reel, but did show improvement. He's also put on a fair amount of weight in the off season. That tall frame looked pretty lean still last year. I'm really hopeful that we can get two years out of him (covid year) because if he can play at 325 and maintain his ability to move, he could be a solid contributor. Barnett has said "don't bet against Jack Plumb." I really hope he's right. Has put in the work and having 1 solid senior in the starting lineup would be very helpful.
4. Justin Britt -- Here's where things get less clear. If Britt plays this year, I think there's a lot more reason to feel optimistic. But I don't put a high percentage on that likelihood based on his past injuries. Would be a great story if he can stay healthy and he seems to have all the tools.
5. Tyler Elsbury -- Seemed like the starter by the end of spring ball. I think he was kind of the forgotten man with some of the shinier younger recruits, but it seems like he's starting to make a push. He could also end up being the starter at center. That said, we still haven't really seen him play so it's hard to put a ton of stock into how he will be at this point.
6. Logan Jones -- Can he be the starter this year? Extremely physically gifted. Weight room hero. Great attitude. That said, when Linderbaum switched from D-Line, there was an immediate buzz of "we are not going to have to worry about center. Not so this time, which is not at all surprising... no one would put that kind of expectation on anyone. That said, can he play well enough to ensure that there won't be a catastrophic drop off a this position. Going from the best we've ever had to someone who is just learning the position. I'll be cheering loudly for him.
7. Nick DeJong -- Started or played in almost every game last year, but struggled mightily. Former walk-on with a big frame and lots of experience. I think it's really possible he finds his groove at guard. I wouldn't underestimate the walk-on mentality here.
Michael Myslinski -- If he's recovered from his injury, word was he was looking pretty good last year as a backup center. His father is a strength and conditioning coach (for the Jaguars I believe?) and so physically he's had a lot of resources at his disposal. Will be an important one to watch in the fall.
8. Beau Stevens -- got perhaps less press than his classmate Davidkov, but has stayed healthier and has gotten pretty good buzz. Can he make a dent at one of the guard spots?
9. David Davidkov -- injuries have been an issue, but seems like he has tons of potential. Will be exciting to see him after a year in the strength and conditioning program.
10. Gennings Dunker -- kind of a weight room legend after the Petras story about protein shakes. Big strong guy who seems very hungry. Would love to see him make a push at guard.
11. Josh Volk -- Fairly highly rated kid who's made some appearances on the 2 deeps.
12. Matt Fagan -- Walk on who was in contention for some time at center. I don't know much about him, but he's good enough to have at least been in the mix.
SOME OBSERVATIONS
A lot of depth, and a fair amount of experience, except for a the center position.
a VERY young group with a ton of potential.
Going to be really interesting to see how much these guys have matured physically since last year. That's true for the 4 star young guys, but also true for the developmental guys who've been in the program a long time. Competition is going to be fierce.
Our D-Line is SO strong this year, that this group will get PUSHED. That is great, and will help them develop, but it will also require them to really have a lot of resilience because I'd be surprised if practices don't favor the defense (even the second unit) just as they did in the spring game.
If this group struggles, so will Petras. If this group develops consistency, I think they'll make Petras (or whoever is under center) look pretty decent.
BIGGEST QUESTIONS
1. This group didn't look ready in the spring. That's ok, but it might take a good part of the season for them to find their chemistry. Barnett's biggest preaching point is the importance of not rushing the O-line development...that you can't microwave good O-line play. It will be really interesting to see how that approach plays out for the offense the next couple of years. I love his approach and frankly I believe in it, but there will be a lot of rumblings if it takes this group a long time to come together.
2. Health: It's a young group. Yes there's depth, but not a lot of experience. If they can stay healthy, I think a big step can be taken forward. If there are a lot of injuries, I think we're a year away from really being a good O-line.