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2008 tOSU Offensive Line discussion (official thread)

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ESPN: Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines

Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines

July 22, 2008 10:54 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

All of the previous positions I ranked (quarterback, running back, wide receiver/tight end) matter little without sturdy offensive lines to block for them. And despite lingering questions about its speed, the Big Ten continues to churn out elite linemen. The league has had three offensive linemen selected in the top 5 of the NFL draft in the last two years, including former Michigan tackle Jake Long, the No. 1 overall pick in April. Several elite players return this fall, including Ohio State tackle Alex Boone and Penn State center A.Q. Shipley, but offensive lines should always be graded as a group. Four teams look very solid up front. The rest of the league? Not so much.

Here's the rundown:

1. Ohio State -- Led by Boone, who passed up NFL bucks for another national title push, the Buckeyes bring back four of five starters up front. Sophomore Bryant Browning emerged at right tackle in spring ball and joins a group that helped Beanie Wells finish 11th nationally in rushing last season. If the first-team unit stays healthy, the offense will surge this fall.

2. Penn State -- All five starters return to a unit that mirrored Ohio State in both sacks allowed and rushing production last season. Shipley and guard Rich Ohrnberger solidify the interior line along with Stefen Wisniewski, who last year became the first true freshman offensive lineman to start at Penn State since 1999. Hopes are high for whip-smart left tackle Gerald Cadogan.

[...]

5. Michigan State -- Replacing all-conference left tackle Pete Clifford became a priority this spring, and Michigan State filled the gap with talented junior Rocco Cironi. If Cironi can effectively protect Brian Hoyer's blind side, the interior line should be solid with returning starters Roland Martin and Joel Nitchman. Depth is a concern, and several incoming freshmen could help.

[...]

8. Michigan -- Strength coach Mike Barwis will try to work his magic with a group that returns only one starter, right tackle Stephen Schilling. A lot hinges on junior Mark Ortmann, who succeeds Long at left tackle. If Ortmann steps in smoothly and David Moosman locks up the center spot, the Wolverines might be fine. Coach Rich Rodriguez needs linemen who can fit in his system, and if need be, he'll look to incoming freshmen like Ricky Barnum.

cont'd...
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8. Michigan -- Strength coach Mike Barwis will try to work his magic with a group that returns only one starter, right tackle Stephen Schilling. A lot hinges on junior Mark Ortmann, who succeeds Long at left tackle. If Ortmann steps in smoothly and David Moosman locks up the center spot, the Wolverines might be fine. Coach Rich Rodriguez needs linemen who can fit in his system, and if need be, he'll look to incoming freshmen like Ricky Barnum.
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Good thing Michigan's O-Line has Barnum. Every circus needs a ring leader.
 
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Here's a really cool picture of the offensive lineman from Jim Davidson at TheOzone.

It's interesting to compare how big everyone is (and overall what a massive group they make up), Adams and Shugarts fit right in.
08-08-04-FB-0333.jpg

#72 Scott Sika, #67 Kyle Mitchum, #74 Mike Adams, #71 Steve Rehring, #75 Alex Boone, #69 Zach Slagle, behind the coach Jim Cordle?, #77 Connor Smith, #63 Ben Person, behind Person - Andrew Moses?, #56?, #73 Josh Kerr, #70 Bryant Browning, #55?, #65 Doug Ebner, #76 J.B. Shugarts, #56?, #68 Evan Blankenship, #50 Mike Brewster
 
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Buckeye86;1223109; said:
#72 Scott Sika, #67 Kyle Mitchum, #74 Mike Adams, #71 Steve Rehring, #75 Alex Boone, #69 Zach Slagle, behind the coach Jim Cordle?, #77 Connor Smith, #63 Ben Person, behind Person - Andrew Moses?, #56?, #73 Josh Kerr, #70 Bryant Browning, #55?, #65 Doug Ebner, #76 J.B. Shugarts, #56?, #68 Evan Blankenship, #50 Mike Brewster
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#55 is Andy Miller
#56 is not listed on the latest roster, so it must be #66 (Andrew Moses)
behind Person - Andrew Moses?: has "7" as the second numer, so should be "57" who is Chris Malone (67 and 77 are already in the picture, so it has to be 57)
 
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