Let's say that the starting 5 are the following:
LT - Kerbyson
LG - Robertson
C - Crowder
RG - Jones
RT - Thomas
Four of those players are essentially returning starters, with JR flipping from R to L.
One could say that we're likely not as good at RG with the swap out of JR for Jones since JR was supernaturally strong for a true frosh. Although at the same time, he'd never played OL before and not only is Jones a lifetime OL but he was also here for spring. But fine, let's say that's a downgrade.
That said, is it not fair to assume that after 1) a year of experience at these respective positions, 2) a spring at these positions for those that were healthy, 3) an offseason training at nothing but these respective positions (with the slight exception of Thomas and Robertson, who practiced some at C), 4) another offseason in the weightroom, and 5) a fall camp at these positions (going against one of the best DL in the country)...that we'd be better at these four positions than at anytime last season? It seems only logical that we would be, doesn't it?
I know that losing Jackson was a blow. Partly because he was good and experienced, partly because that bumped everyone else up a spot in the rotation, and partly because they wanted to try and upgrade over Crowder at C and now they don't have the flexibility. But even Crowder should be better than he was last year, simply due to being stronger and more experienced.
Even the backup OL should be better, as we know undoubtedly have more depth and experience and talent than we did last year with Kendrick (could be a starter), Wiesman (has started games), and the three other very talented true frosh.
So yeah, I don't think this is a Top 5 SEC OL. But shouldn't it be better than at any time last season, before we even get to how much easier it will be on them with Dobbs in command at QB and the skill talent around them? And if that's the case, shouldn't we be in pretty damn good shape on offense?
Thanks @P_Fortenberry @Brent_Hubbs @John_Brice @Rob Lewis
LT - Kerbyson
LG - Robertson
C - Crowder
RG - Jones
RT - Thomas
Four of those players are essentially returning starters, with JR flipping from R to L.
One could say that we're likely not as good at RG with the swap out of JR for Jones since JR was supernaturally strong for a true frosh. Although at the same time, he'd never played OL before and not only is Jones a lifetime OL but he was also here for spring. But fine, let's say that's a downgrade.
That said, is it not fair to assume that after 1) a year of experience at these respective positions, 2) a spring at these positions for those that were healthy, 3) an offseason training at nothing but these respective positions (with the slight exception of Thomas and Robertson, who practiced some at C), 4) another offseason in the weightroom, and 5) a fall camp at these positions (going against one of the best DL in the country)...that we'd be better at these four positions than at anytime last season? It seems only logical that we would be, doesn't it?
I know that losing Jackson was a blow. Partly because he was good and experienced, partly because that bumped everyone else up a spot in the rotation, and partly because they wanted to try and upgrade over Crowder at C and now they don't have the flexibility. But even Crowder should be better than he was last year, simply due to being stronger and more experienced.
Even the backup OL should be better, as we know undoubtedly have more depth and experience and talent than we did last year with Kendrick (could be a starter), Wiesman (has started games), and the three other very talented true frosh.
So yeah, I don't think this is a Top 5 SEC OL. But shouldn't it be better than at any time last season, before we even get to how much easier it will be on them with Dobbs in command at QB and the skill talent around them? And if that's the case, shouldn't we be in pretty damn good shape on offense?
Thanks @P_Fortenberry @Brent_Hubbs @John_Brice @Rob Lewis
