I began writing this before Grad posted that article, but I guess this is the proper place for it now.
Basically, I am extremely excited to see a line rotation system (Texas '06 style) with all of our young guys getting significant action, at least in the early part of the year, in order to prepare them to replace the guys we are losing after next year.
Here's how I think it shakes out.
Starters (aka Freakishly Experienced O-Line)
LT
#75 Alex Boone 6'8" 315 lbs. (SR)
Boone has the size and ability to be a franchise left tackle at the next level. 2008 will be a 'money' year for him, and he could become a solid first rounder with an excellent senior campaign. Has had significant playing and starting experience since his freshman year. Will be the cornerstone of the line.
LG
#71 Steve Rehring 6'8" 345 lbs. (SR)
Rehring is going into his third year as starter at LG. He came into fall camp last year with many speculating about weight concerns, but he proved to be a solid starter throughout the year. Has the experience and size to have a dominating senior year if he can put together a solid spring and summer.
C
#64 Jim Cordle 6'4" 302 lbs. (JR)
Cordle is coming off of a solid first year as starter at C. He used his left hand to snap most of the year in '07 due to an injury to his right hand but he should be able to return to his right hand in '08 baring further injuries. With a year under his belt at center, I expect nothing but improvement in Cordle's leadership and overall play in '08.
RG
#63 Ben Person 6'4" 321 lbs. (SR)
Person was a first year starter last year. Had a nasty habit of jumping off sides, but otherwise had a solid year in '07. With a year of starting experience hopefully his nerves calm in '08 and he continues to improve. He will be pushed by Connor Smith and some of the younger guys for his starting spot, which can only help.
RT
#73 Jon Skinner 6'5" 300 lbs. (SR 5th year)
This is obviously the hardest position to project due to Barton's departure. I am giving the nod to Skinner simply based on his experience. Skinner has had injury problems throughout his career but has consistently cracked the two deep when healthy. I think going into spring Skinner will have the first crack at RT, but obviously guys like Browning and Shugarts will get a shot as well.
2nd String (aka Freakishly Young and Talented O-Line)
LT
#? Mike Adams 6'8" 310 lbs. (FR)
Adams is a prototypical LT that is already being compared to all time greats like Orlando Pace. It's still a little early for that comparison, but Adams is clearly the heir apparent to Boone at LT. It will be interesting to see how quickly Adams adjusts to the college game, but odds are he will be a dominating LT sooner rather than later.
LG
#70 Bryant Browning 6'4" 310 lbs. (R-SO)
I'm projecting Browning at LG because of his versatility and because Connor Smith is at RG on the depth chart. Browning has the ability to play most positions on the line, and will probably compete for the starting RT spot in the spring and fall. I feel that his frame is better suited for interior line play, but obviously the coaches are comfortable putting Browning wherever he is needed on the line, and he will no doubt be a solid part of the line rotation in '08 wherever he ends up at.
C
#? Michael Brewster 6'5" 300 lbs. (FR)
Brewster is a natural born leader who many fans have fallen in love with due to his role in putting the '08 signing class together. Projects perfectly at center due to his leadership ability and nasty streak on the football field. He could see some time at guard until Cordle vacates the center spot. The offensive line is in good hands in the coming years with Brewster leading the way.
RG
#77 Connor Smith 6'5" 315 lbs. (R-SO)
Highly rated coming out of High School, Smith has had some difficulty with pass blocking at the college level and hasn't really had a chance to shine, but with two years of college ball under his belt he should be a solid contributor along the line in '08. Smith could even push for the starting job in the spring and fall if Person continues to struggle with false starts. Even if not starting, Smith will almost certainly see significant playing time next year.
RT
#? J.B. Shugarts 6'8" 300 lbs. (FR)
Shugarts is another member of the star studded '08 class. Will probably get a shot at the starting RT position, but will most likely need to work hard on pass blocking if he is to win the job. Enrolling early (he is already attending classes) can only help his chances. If Shugarts can perfect his pass blocking skills, he should be a solid contributor and a fun one to watch next year.
Others in the Mix
#67 Kyle Mitchum 6'5" 300 lbs. (SR)
Highly touted out of High School, injuries have really kept Mitchum from reaching his potential at Ohio State. When healthy he projects as a guard. Hopefully Mitchum can stay healthy in '08 and work his way into the two-deep for his senior season.
#68 Evan Blankenship 6'3" 300 lbs. (R-FR)
Redshirted last year, and without word from practices (maybe someone else can fill in here) its hard to say how Blankenship is developing. Projects as a guard.
#65 Doug Ebner 6'4" 280 lbs. (SR)
Has been in the system a long time and will probably get some playing time based on Tressel's loyalty to his seniors.
#66 Andrew Moses 6'3" 272 lbs. (JR)
Was listed as the backup at center last year. Originally a walk on, but has worked hard and become a solid contributor to the O-Line despite being a little undersized.
#73 Josh Kerr 6'5" 280 lbs. (R-SO)
Listed as second string LT last year. Kerr has had several years in the system and has gotten lots of work at tackle. He could be a dark horse candidate for the starting RT spot.
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All and all, the mix of youth and experience and overall talent of our o-line is going to be a force to be reckoned with next year. And oh yeah, have I mentioned a guy named Beanie Wells who will be running behind them?
![Banger :banger: :banger:](http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/bp_files/smilies/main/banger.gif)