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2014 Offensive Line

Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:22 am
Posted by Danny Woodhead
Member since Oct 2013
694 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:22 am
The big bodies on both lines will play a crucial part in the Tigers success in 2014, like every season.

With the anticipated departures of La'el Collins and Trai Turner to the NFL, the tigers will not return starters at the left tackle and right guard positions. The only senior on the line, Josh Williford retired due to injuries during the season.

So...Who starts along the offensive line, specifically at the tackle and right guard spots for the 2014 campaign?

Tackle:
Gerald Hawkins returns as a RsSo who started at RT. Does he play LT?
Ethan Pocic was a highly touted tackle prospect coming out of HS and spent his freshman season as the second string center. Can he snag one of the tackle positions?
Evan Washington didnt play in 2012 or 2011 due to injuries and academics, after redshirting in 2010. He was arguably the top reserve tackle this past season.
Others candidates are Josh Boutte (Collins backup on the two deep this past season as a true freshman), Derek Edinburgh (reserve right tackle, ideal tackle body, will be RsSo next year), Jonah Austin (top reserve guard this past season)

Right Guard:
Assuming Vadal Alexander anchors LG next season
Josh Boutte, guard may be his natural position despite backing up at LT last year
Jonah Austin, played this season in jumbo packages and was the top reserve guard in 2013
Hoko Fanikia, backup RG this past season. I am skeptical whether he is a starting guard in the SEC. Very big player who came in out of shape from JUCO, questionable pulling abilities, but a great run blocker
Other candidates are Andy Dodd (redshirted in 2013, looked good per reports in camp, recovering from shoulder injury), Garrett Brumfield (true freshman in 2014), and Will Clapp (true freshman in 2014)


Early look at the starters:

LT: Hawkins
LG: Alexanger
C: Porter
RG: Austin or Boutte
RT: Pocic or Washington

I'd say these seven are our top returning linemen. Who do y'all think starts?
Obviously, whoever wins a job will affect the competition at other spots on the line (RT battle will be contingent on who is playing LT, etc)
Hawk and Pocic are tall, long, and athletic linemen who fare well being paired with a mauler at guard

Also, what positions do y'all expect certain players to log time at?
Austin, Boutte, Dodd at guard or tackle?
Are the tackles better suited on the left or right side?
Is Malone the backup center? Where do Brumfield and Clapp play? Redshirts?


Obviously everything could change if someones returns to school and waits on the draft.
Just trying to stir some intelligent discussion on the OLine


Posted by RATeamWannabe
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
25946 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:23 am to
Lets wait and see if anyone else leaves.
Posted by goldenbadger08
Sorting Out MSB BS Since 2011
Member since Oct 2011
37900 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:31 am to
Fixing to be a beastly OLine in front of LF
Posted by vl100butch
Ridgeland, MS
Member since Sep 2005
34655 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:42 am to
quote:

Hoko Fanikia, backup RG this past season. I am skeptical whether he is a starting guard in the SEC. Very big player who came in out of shape from JUCO, questionable pulling abilities, but a great run blocker


i'd like to see what he can do if moffitt can get him into shape...
Posted by ATLTiger
#TreyBiletnikoffs
Member since Sep 2003
44565 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:47 am to
Evan Washington was the top backup at RG and RT, he's somewhat of a "swing" OL. wouldn't surprise me to see him at RG if Trai leaves.
Posted by byubengalboy
Cypress, tx.
Member since Nov 2008
3719 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:47 am to
quote:

The big bodies on both lines will play a crucial part in the Tigers success in 2014, like every season.


the big bodies on both lines will play "the most important" part in the Tigers success in 2014. FIFW, and may I add, especially on the oline.

quote:

like every season


Ahmen brother.

Posted by GastonOverstreet
Westbanker
Member since Mar 2006
519 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:51 am to
quote:

Hoko Fanikia... questionable pulling abilities, but a great run blocker


Contradictory Statement.
Posted by Brettesaurus Rex
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2009
38259 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 11:56 am to
Assuming Collins and Turner leave:

Slide either Hawkins or Pocic at LT, with either Washington or the other at RT. Not so sure about RG
Posted by Danny Woodhead
Member since Oct 2013
694 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 12:06 pm to
quote:

Contradictory Statement.


Somewhat contradictory, but they arent the same.

He's a good inline run blocker, always has been. But doesnt move too well. Thats why Les had him at RG instead of LG. He said so over the summer
Posted by Peliclown
Member since Nov 2013
2480 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 12:24 pm to
My man knows his shite, don't try and call him out
Posted by Leaux
Diamondhead, MS
Member since Feb 2009
482 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 12:47 pm to
It starts with FAT BOY ... we need a new line coach! Someone who played in NFL and knows good pro technics and has some cred with recruits.
Posted by LSUANDY25
Frisco
Member since Dec 2012
3087 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 12:54 pm to
Ive always liked Danny Woodhead.

Glad to see a real football fan in here for a change. thanks for a great and accurate read.
Posted by dgnx6
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2006
68647 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 12:56 pm to
well if turner and collins get drafted there goes the theory of him not being able to get guys to the nfl.
Posted by LSUANDY25
Frisco
Member since Dec 2012
3087 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 2:07 pm to
All the theories the nagatigers come up with go by the wayside. I do admit sometimes CLM is a bit slow getting there but he always gets there eventually.

Posted by TigerNE
Everett, MA
Member since Jul 2013
1096 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 2:34 pm to
Should be a solid position for us, regardless of early entries.
Posted by Tommy Patel
Member since Apr 2006
7558 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 2:40 pm to
Garrett Brumfield (true freshman in 2014), and Will Clapp (true freshman in 2014) [/quote]

these will be solid players and backups based on conversations i've heard , both in good shape and intense players.
Posted by phison
Member since Dec 2011
619 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 3:50 pm to
Good insights

Also the possibility of gerrald hawkins staying at RT and either ethan pocic or evan washington playing the blindside
Posted by phison
Member since Dec 2011
619 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 3:56 pm to
Who else can play center? i know kj malone can play there, but if he isn't going to be the starter in 2015 i'd like to see someone else getting some reps there

I wouldnt be surprised if either brumfield or clapp got some reps at center. both are very versatile linemen who can pretty much play all five positions
Posted by LSUANDY25
Frisco
Member since Dec 2012
3087 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 5:18 pm to
Whats the word on The Mailman's kid, Malone? Is he going to be the real 2nd string Center next year or would Pocic or someone else go there if Porter was injured during a big conference game?
This post was edited on 1/6/14 at 5:19 pm
Posted by Mudminnow
Houston, TX
Member since Aug 2004
34146 posts
Posted on 1/6/14 at 5:31 pm to
Not liking the news I've been hearing past 2 days that Stud is staying put. There is still hope Juluuke to be on the staff but not optimistic
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