Kelly Turner leading for right guard position

[PonyPride]

Prior to the start of spring workouts, offensive line coach Adrian Klemm said the right guard position was wide open, that several candidates would compete for the job. After practice Wednesday, Klemm stopped short of announcing that the starting role had been decided, but he sounded like it's becoming clear.

Klemm talked about some of the young players competing for the spot — and for other positions along the line — before interrupting himself to address the right guard spot specifically.

"Speaking of the new guys ... he's not new, but I've been really impressed with Kelly Turner at right guard," Klemm said. "He's really solidifying that position."

Klemm declined to say that Turner had locked up the starting position for the 2010 season, but acknowledged that it's "very possible" the Ponies will start an offensive line of all juniors in the fall: left tackle Kelvin Beachum, Jr., left guard Josh LeRibeus, center Bryce Tennison, Turner at right guard and right tackle J.T. Brooks.

Klemm talked about the improved play of several young players, and said that the three incoming freshmen — Darryl Jackson, Ben Gottschalk and Ashton Duhe — could figure into the rotation when they arrive on the Hilltop.

"Darryl Jackson is really a pure left tackle," Klemm said. "(Beachum) is a great tackle, but in terms of the physical tools, the size, the speed — Darryl has that. He's still new to the game, he hasn't been playing long, but he has the tools. Ben Gottschalk is a guy who probably could play anywhere along the line, all five positions — different schools recruited him to play all different positions, so you know he's versatile.

"And Ashton Duhe, what they do at his high school, Destrahan (La.) — and they've got a lot of guys who have gone on to play in college and the NFL — is they'll basically line him up across from the other team's best (defensive lineman). So he's really versatile, too."

[that's great raplh]

Go ponies

[davidpaul123]

great stuff PP!

[Junior]

I'm ok having an OL full of returning letterman and freshmen that are pushing for playing time because they're that good.

[Charleston Pony]

just the thought of 5 JRs lining up in front of Padron has me feeling optimistic about the 2010 season...and even moreso about 2011

[Hey June]

I hope Turner does take over the job and make it his own. Having five juniors up front would be awesome. We all suffered when they took their lumps as freshmen, but now they're bigger and stronger, and more experienced. I'd like to hear his take on what went well as he ascended to the starting role.

[Pony ^]

not to mention Turner blocked for Stafford in high school