Might as well get the position group discussions going and I figured as this position is our biggest concern on the offensive side of the ball, I will get it rolling with a guess at the projected depth chart. Pending some development of a few redshirt guys, I actually think this group can be pretty darn good this year, albeit that Jordan staying would have went a long ways. I really like our starters if we can develop a RT and C, which I believe we will. My stab at it and thoughts
LT: Thayer Munford, Max Wray (I love our starter here, Munford has all the tools to be a stalwart LT and the next highly drafted OL here...and I think NPF could be excellent here in case anything happens, even if Wray is listed second on the depth chart...haven't heard much on Wray yet)
G: Brandon Bowen, Gavin Cupp (getting Bowen back and healthy will be enormous, he might be the most talented OL we have...really liked Cupp coming out of HS and hope he takes the next step to provide quality depth on our interior)
C: Josh Myers, Matthew Jones (I expect Jones to push here but Myers has reportedly improved quite a bit...if he improves on pass pro, he gets the spot but I have always loved Jones as a prospect)
G: Wyatt Davis, Jonah Jackson (?) (heard great things on Davis and expect him to be a great one here, but if we get the Jonah Jackson transfer, it will be a battle for the starting spot)
RT: Alabi, Petit-Frere (I think Alabi gets the nod in his senior year, although if NPF puts on some good weight to bulk up against the bull rush, he is going to push hard...I think NPF is the backup at either tackle spot and will definitely play)
I really think we have to push hard on Jonah Jackson because the interior OL depth is definitely a concern, although I like the looks of our starting 5 and next 2-3 guys. If guys like Cupp, Wray, Jones and NPF all come along and develop, then I will feel a hell of a lot better here even without the Jackson transfer. Of the freshman coming in, only Harry Miller (center) is likely close to college ready. If he emerges, it could prompt Jones to move over to guard and assuage some concerns for depth at the guard position if Miller earns trust to backup Myers. As to the remainder, Jacoby (likely guard imo) needs time to physically develop, Vimahi will likewise need to develop physically (assuming he is even here next year pending the mission), and Dawand Jones is a long-term prospect that needs work in every area before he will be ready to go. But I think we can definitely piece together a good OL for this year.
LT: Thayer Munford, Max Wray (I love our starter here, Munford has all the tools to be a stalwart LT and the next highly drafted OL here...and I think NPF could be excellent here in case anything happens, even if Wray is listed second on the depth chart...haven't heard much on Wray yet)
G: Brandon Bowen, Gavin Cupp (getting Bowen back and healthy will be enormous, he might be the most talented OL we have...really liked Cupp coming out of HS and hope he takes the next step to provide quality depth on our interior)
C: Josh Myers, Matthew Jones (I expect Jones to push here but Myers has reportedly improved quite a bit...if he improves on pass pro, he gets the spot but I have always loved Jones as a prospect)
G: Wyatt Davis, Jonah Jackson (?) (heard great things on Davis and expect him to be a great one here, but if we get the Jonah Jackson transfer, it will be a battle for the starting spot)
RT: Alabi, Petit-Frere (I think Alabi gets the nod in his senior year, although if NPF puts on some good weight to bulk up against the bull rush, he is going to push hard...I think NPF is the backup at either tackle spot and will definitely play)
I really think we have to push hard on Jonah Jackson because the interior OL depth is definitely a concern, although I like the looks of our starting 5 and next 2-3 guys. If guys like Cupp, Wray, Jones and NPF all come along and develop, then I will feel a hell of a lot better here even without the Jackson transfer. Of the freshman coming in, only Harry Miller (center) is likely close to college ready. If he emerges, it could prompt Jones to move over to guard and assuage some concerns for depth at the guard position if Miller earns trust to backup Myers. As to the remainder, Jacoby (likely guard imo) needs time to physically develop, Vimahi will likewise need to develop physically (assuming he is even here next year pending the mission), and Dawand Jones is a long-term prospect that needs work in every area before he will be ready to go. But I think we can definitely piece together a good OL for this year.