OL Next Year

[javadoc]

Couple questions as we wait to see if we do indeed get invited to a bowl.

First, what is going on with Knapp? Is he healthy?

It seems like we'll have 8 or 9 guys with eligibility left who should be ready to go. Hickey may not come back, which would leave 7 or 8. Based on their roster spots this year, we would have (note, class status is as it would be next year):

C Emerich So
OG Trudo Jr
OG Robinson Jr
OG Palmer So
OT Hickey Sr
OT Foy Jr
OT Knapp So
OT Lasker Jr

I really hope Hickey comes back.

The projects, who likely won't be ready next year (based solely on generalization) are:

McGloster
Burton
Hayes

and maybe Moore outgrows TE.

1. Assuming Emerich takes over at C, who backs him up?
2. Starting guards are set. Who is 3rd man in?
3. Is Foy playing well enough right now to be presumed a starter next year? Who wins out between Knapp and Lasker for the other spot, assuming Hickey departs?

If Ward flips that would give us an OG and OT in the incoming class, and 12-13 OL on the roster. Proabably no more, right?

 

[richard levy]

Ideally we should have 15-16 OL on scholarship. If for no other reason, it takes a while to get them ready physically

 

[Full_Rebar]

Wonder if the staff will look at moving Trudo to Center if Palmer is ready to step in at Guard. Not trying to dismiss Emerich, but I know Trudo had dome some work there his 1st year.

 

[orangenauburn]

We need one or two more OL this class and at least one more DL

Next year we should grab another 3-4 OL as well

 

[RF2044]

Good post. I'm encouraged that we return four starters. That type of year-over-year consistency is what's needed to improve both performance and depth. And i'm not trying to dismiss how difficult it will be to replace a player like Macky, but I'm encouraged that Emerich will be a third-year sophomore in our program who's played, not an incoming frosh or someone who is completely green. It's a sign that through recruiting, we're making strides at the OL. Not fully there yet, but trending in the right direction.

No idea what is going on with Knapp, however. Very concerned about his future, considering he appears to be the only natural LT on the roster. Hope Hickey returns. I just don't see a kid who projects at RT being a high enough draft pick to warrant him leaving. If he goes, depth at OT is significantly depleted.

As far as the youngsters, would be nice to see Palmer take steps forward next season. Ditto Burton, a project.

Also, to your question about center, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the incumbent guards makes a push for the starting center spots, with Foy shifting inside to RG in the interest of getting the best five players on the field. But that would be contingent upon one of the young OTs making a strong push.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

You forgot John Miller. He or Hayes will be the fourth guard, he also played center in junior college.

 

[anomander]

Miller can play center, and I believe they were grooming Alexander Hayes for center as well as guard.

Foy had a very good season IMO he isn't going anywhere except maybe to LT

 

[money3189]

yeah hayes get reps at guard and center from what i saw.Same goes for Miller. I think Emerich will be given every chance to be a 3 year starter at center. Miller and hayes are plan B's at that spot. Palmer is the first guard off the bench. If Hickey leaves, Lasker or Knapp will take that spot. I am surprised knapp wasnt hickey's replacement. So that tells me Lasker is in good position for that spot. I think Kendall Moore is a tackle. He cant catch ball consistently.

 

[cusefan88]

My guess is that Hickey leaves. It has been discussed in other threads. He was introduced with his parents as part of senior day on Saturday. I don't expect him to stay. Would be ecstatic if he did.

 

[SoBristol]

For what it is worth, in mop-up time against Florida State, Lasker was the L-OT with Knapp as R-OT.

Knapp might be the versatile back up, next man up at any OL spot, but not a starter in 2014.

 

[anomander]

yeah hayes get reps at guard and center from what i saw.Same goes for Miller. I think Emerich will be given every chance to be a 3 year starter at center. Miller and hayes are plan B's at that spot. Palmer is the first guard off the bench. If Hickey leaves, Lasker or Knapp will take that spot. I am surprised knapp wasnt hickey's replacement. So that tells me Lasker is in good position for that spot. I think Kendall Moore is a tackle. He cant catch ball consistently.

I am with you on Moore. He really doesn't seem like a TE. It would solve a lot of problems if we just starts bulking up now. If he wants to have any chance at playing professionally it won't be at TE

 

[SoBristol]

I am with you on Moore. He really doesn't seem like a TE. It would solve a lot of problems if we just starts bulking up now. If he wants to have any chance at playing professionally it won't be at TE

Nope. Moore can be a very good TE and get a lot of playing time in 2014. Need two TEs and we have them in Parris & Moore. Move to OT means bench time, behind Lasker & Foy (and Knapp).

 

[RICuse44]

Nope. Moore can be a very good TE and get a lot of playing time in 2014. Need two TEs and we have them in Parris & Moore. Move to OT means bench time, behind Lasker & Foy (and Knapp).

Which is why next year as a redshirt would make sense for Moore. That does leave TE thin but Batten is there also. Also for goal line would be nice to see them flip Sugar Bear back over.

 

[money3189]

Provo is there too. His strength is blocking. Moore can still play TE next season during the process of developing his body for OT.

 

[jr4750]

Provo is there too. He strength is blocking. Moore can still play TE next season during the process of developing his body for OT.

They are also recruiting Adly Enoicy and have Jamal Custis who could be TE's... We have numbers here for sure!

 

[TexanMark]

IMHO...if Hickey can go in the first 2 rounds he should go. If not, he should stay.

 

[PhatOrange]

You guys forgot Andre Batten to. Batten and Provo to go with Parris could see Kendell move. Kendell needs to improve his hands to stay there imho.

I think Lasker has shown ability and after another spring and continued work in the off season I think he'll be a pretty good tackle. Has two more years left to right?

 

[Franz69]

For what it's worth, Palmer got absolutely destroyed on the two PATs against Pitt, the first one leading to the block. Granted he was going against Donald, but he was pancaked immediately both times. Zero resistance. Did not exactly instill a lot of confidence.

 

[tep624]

For what it's worth, Palmer got absolutely destroyed on the two PATs against Pitt, the first one leading to the block. Granted he was going against Donald, but he was pancaked immediately both times. Zero resistance. Did not exactly instill a lot of confidence.

I don't know if we can take much from the Pitt game as far as our younger O Lineman. Lasker looked awful in that game too but bounced back really nicely against BC. Donald is one of those players that we'll see once a season if that, he's that good.

 

[javadoc]

IMHO...if Hickey can go in the first 2 rounds he should go. If not, he should stay.

For those in the know... based on Hickey's play this year and his measurables (including workout numbers), is he a top-2 rounder? Does the injury interfere with his ability to showcase what he can do this draft season?

 

[bnoro]

For those in the know... based on Hickey's play this year and his measurables (including workout numbers), is he a top-2 rounder? Does the injury interfere with his ability to showcase what he can do this draft season?

He was last projected as a 3rd rounder. I would expect him to have a huge combine if healthy and maybe move into round 2 but can't see him as a first rounder. The injury concerns are a problem for his draft stock. Can't see him coming back though.