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Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2003 3:51 pmMy main interest in next year's team revolves around the offensive line. Considering the thin allotment of experienced players we had last year, I think Coach Stanley did a terrific job with what he had.
However, we now have a new offensive line coach, and Judson Davis and Thornton Chandler are gone. So, who do you see as the starting five, or key backups?
My predictions (with no real basis - just a hunch):
Right tackle: Sterling Harris. Our biggest returning lineman, a returning starter, a senior — can't see him losing his spot.
Right guard: Townsend Hargis. Admirable job in 2002 playing a number of different spots on the line. Ready for full-time duty?
Center: Steve Reindl. Started as a junior and part of his sophomore year. Has (I think) the most starts of any SMU lineman.
Left guard: Brad Kieschnick. He's only going to be a sophomore next year, but he graded out higher than all other linemen next year, and is a fearless, scrappy fighter. He might have the tightest hold on his position of all linemen.
Left tackle: Hmmmm.... this one's tough. Eric Neal worked his tail off, but to me he doesn't look like a starting tackle, especially on the quarterback's blind side. For someone who weighs around 300 pounds, his legs are awfully thin, and the legs (and backside) are where the power comes from for blocking. I think he's best-suited as a backup, even at more than one position. Are Dustin Morton or Chris Urbanus ready? Or are they even tackles? Matt Munz has a good frame, but I've never seen him play. And personally, I'm not ready to throw a true freshman in there as a starter, despite the impressive résumés our new offensive line recruits have.
Backups: Neal, Munz, Morton or Urbanus, Martin Guidry, Hulsey Smith.
However, we now have a new offensive line coach, and Judson Davis and Thornton Chandler are gone. So, who do you see as the starting five, or key backups?
My predictions (with no real basis - just a hunch):
Right tackle: Sterling Harris. Our biggest returning lineman, a returning starter, a senior — can't see him losing his spot.
Right guard: Townsend Hargis. Admirable job in 2002 playing a number of different spots on the line. Ready for full-time duty?
Center: Steve Reindl. Started as a junior and part of his sophomore year. Has (I think) the most starts of any SMU lineman.
Left guard: Brad Kieschnick. He's only going to be a sophomore next year, but he graded out higher than all other linemen next year, and is a fearless, scrappy fighter. He might have the tightest hold on his position of all linemen.
Left tackle: Hmmmm.... this one's tough. Eric Neal worked his tail off, but to me he doesn't look like a starting tackle, especially on the quarterback's blind side. For someone who weighs around 300 pounds, his legs are awfully thin, and the legs (and backside) are where the power comes from for blocking. I think he's best-suited as a backup, even at more than one position. Are Dustin Morton or Chris Urbanus ready? Or are they even tackles? Matt Munz has a good frame, but I've never seen him play. And personally, I'm not ready to throw a true freshman in there as a starter, despite the impressive résumés our new offensive line recruits have.
Backups: Neal, Munz, Morton or Urbanus, Martin Guidry, Hulsey Smith.