It goes without saying that the offensive line will be rebuilding next season, and hopefully we can close the 2014 recruiting cycle with a few more offensive linemen. In the best case scenario, some of these guys will be able to contribute and provide depth immediately. They certainly have the size.
What do you all think about these guys, and who do you think we have a good shot at moving forward?
Committed:
Tyrel Smith 6'4, 285
Mike Arnold 6'5 280
Fred Johnson 6'6 301
Targets:
D'Andre Plantin 6'5 277 (seems positive with him..anyone have any insight?)
Kenny Thomas 6'6 330 (seems positive here too...I believe we are his first Official Visit)
Emmanuel McGirt (just saw on 247 he has an official visit coming up...can't hurt..4-star kid)
Matthew Burrell (never lists us in his top lists, but he does appear to enjoy the trips he has taken to Blacksburg...seems unlikely though)
Barnabas Baning (does this kid have an offer?...I know he has visited and seemed to enjoy it. Can't find much on him. I've also seen him listed anywhere between 6'2 and 6'5).
Riley Metheny 6'4 280 (visiting Thursday night for Miami...from Clearwater, Florida).
I also saw an article that we just offered a Fork Union kid? Anyone know anything about this?
Potential 2015 Depth Chart:
LT: Parker Osterloh, Braxton Pfaff, Colt Pettit, Fred Johnson,
LG: Wyatt Teller, Alston Smith, Tyrel Smith,
C: Eric Gallo, Kyle Chung, Jack Willenbrock,
RG: Augie Conte, Adam Tarashke, Billy Ray Mitchell,
RT: Jonathan McGlock, Wade Hansen, Mike Arnold,
Hopefully Eric Gallow / Kyle Chung are ready to play at the center spot. If Parker Osterloh isn't ready at a tackle spot, does Wyatt Teller or Augie slide outside? Regardless, the offensive line depth chart will probaby be competetive next year and hopefully turn into a strength by the 2016 national championship run.
Comments
Barnabas Baning
BARNABAS BANING
That name alone is 4-star worthy.
Man, it seems like it has been forever since we have had a great OL. Here's hoping recruiting brings in some studs.
Wade Hansen has been the next man up at OT this season so it is possible McClock moves to LT and Hansen stays at RT.
Also possible they move Conte to OT since they have Alston Smith as a viable option at G. Conte has been pretty consistent on the OL this year though and might have the fewest penalties. I am pretty excited to see our interior line in a year or 2 if Teller and Conte both stay there. They are 2 very strong human beings and both are young so the technique and strength will only get better.
Also...any chance Mihota gets a look at OT? It seems he has the build, and the move has worked out pretty well for Teller and Hansen.
The reason I am asking is because if Mihota does not crack the 2-deep next year, he may never with the future of Nigel Williams, Woody Baron, Ricky Walker, Eric Whitehead, Steve Sobzack, Harry Lewis, and Tim Settle (hopefully!). He may have a better opportunity to see the field at OT, especially if he does not have the "twitch" to play the DT spot.
If we get Settle then I think it's a possibility, if we don't then IMO I think he most likely stays on the DL.
I don't see how Mihota would ever get a look at OL. He's way too light. (250lb).
Pleasantly surprised to hear McGirt is visiting. Nice work by the coaches.
I'm expecting Teller to slide to OT next year. Smith is ready to play at OG. Pfaff May factor in as well at OG.
Mihota could go back to DE where we could use some help
Most likely depends on where the remaining DE targets in the 2015 class decide to go.
Really, really doubt that happens. Coaches have never viewed him as a DE.
If things go well for us recruiting, we will have Hill Dalton and possible Sweat. That's 3 guys who could be immediate help
I hope we land Emmanuel McGirt, just so we can give him the nickname Dirt and a #36 jersey.