This is the only part of my blog I don't like.
Offensive linemen.
I know they're important. You can argue they're the unsung heroes of every football team in the country. Ask Virginia Tech or Florida State what happens if you have every piece in place but an offensive line.
But the average football fan doesn't care about the big uglies. I care about them, but I don't really know who's who until we get into the season. I'm going to rattle off the names I can come up with off the top of my head. Leave a comment if you feel some other guys should be on the list (I know they'll be out there).
It's taken me a while to tackle this list, but here goes nothing:
Duane Brown, Virginia Tech - Brown came to Tech as a tight end and made the transition to offensive tackle two years ago, and as you can tell because he's made this list, he's a good one. The play all Hokies remember about Brown is against Clemson when he stepped out on the punt coverage team (as he always does) and beat the gunners down the field to make the tackle. He's also a nice guy - one morning I showed up on the east end of the commuter parking lot for class (impossible to find a spot after 9 a.m.) and Duane was coming back from a class. He saw me looking for a spot, told me where his car was and waited until I drove around so I could get it. But I'll defer to skills over his generosity as to why he made the list.
Andre Smith, Alabama - Well, this is no big surprise. He was on the top of pretty much recruit list when he graduated high school two years ago. As a freshman, he started at left tackle in every game, led the team in knockdowns, snaps played and opponents owned (my stat). I don't think there's anything more impressive than a high school graduate being able to step onto a campus and garner All-American honors right away.
Jake Long, Michigan - I was shocked when he stayed for his senior year. I seriously thought he could have been the second offensive lineman taken in this year's draft. If he stays healthy, he'll have about 40 starts under his belt at both tackle slots. He's 6'7, 330-or-so-pounds and has played against some of the best defensive front sevens in the country. He'll make a lot of money not after…long (zing).
Sam Baker, Southern California - Another guy who could have cashed out and made a ton of money this year, but stayed behind. Baker's body is about 300 pounds, but his body of work is much larger (two-time All American). His linemate, Jeff Byers, is also a beast. I'd kill to get a copy of his video from high school, it was one of the most dominant things I've ever seen.
Others: Alex Boone, Ohio State; Jared Gaither, Maryland (6 foot, freakin 9 inches tall); Eugene Monroe, Virginia; Sam Young, Notre Dame.
Comments (1)
I think offensive linemen are some of the most exciting players to watch. Not kidding. People who think that QBs should be scared of 275 lb. linebackers barreling down should think about the linemen who are supposed to actually get in their way.
And it's such a unique position. The strategy of blocking multiple assignments, the athleticism of run blocking, plus the difficulty of being in the most penalized position.
Anyway, thoughts:
+ Ryan Clady, Boise State. This is the only glaring omission I see. Unfortunately there aren't much stats to go with individual o-lines, but he's the most dominant figure on a team with outstanding running credentials.
+ Jordon Grimes, Purdue. Someone from Purdue has to be on the list. The team had the fewest tackles for a loss of any team in the country. The year before, they had only nine sacks.
+ Jeremy Perry, Oregon State. You've got to love standouts surrounded by a team that's not so great.