A Wild Hare Discussion around the Offensive Line

As the fall camp has progressed and very little information trickles out, we are left to speculate on depth charts and camp performance. While I like to write about stuff that I can see on video, I jump to much more radical conclusions and play with a notebook to write down my crazy theories.

One of the things I keep convincing myself of is the potential that TJ Jackson sees the field this season. Jackson came into VT unheralded. He is massive and a good athlete (played high school basketball) but was introduced to football very late in his high school career. His film was unimpressive, and a bunch of folks questioned the offer. I felt like he had really good size, and if his feet were commensurate with that of an average high school basketball post player, that he would be a guy who could develop (and if not, he would wash out.)

I have been shocked at how good Jackson has looked in pass protection drills. He is smooth, gets great extension, and it seems like it doesn't matter what the defender does-leverage, bull rush, speed rush, he has perfect position and balance throughout the repetition. While I didn't have the benefit of film, I don't recall him blowing assignments in the spring game. While he didn't blow people off the line of scrimmage, he seemed to do a decent job of staying engaged on blocks.

Given the question marks on the right side, I have convinced myself that Jackson, as the likely starting left tackle for 2018, will get some work this season. I could see a scenario where Nijman (who is solid, but had some yips, especially versus Chris Peace of UVA before their genius DC thought it would be a good idea to have his best pass rusher cover Cam Phillips on 3rd down, resulting in a first down and an injury for Peace), could move to the right side. Tyrell Smith (who I am completely confident will start at right tackle, but just in case...) could work at right guard. And Jackson would get work at left tackle.

I doubt it happens, but he has huge natural talent. I hope he has or develops the mean streak and attention to detail needed to be a good run blocker. But, as a pass protector, his upside has me salivating.