Are there any position battles presently on the offensive line or are the 5 spots set? I know we are lucky to have 5 seniors on the line but it would be nice for some young guys to step up and get some playing time so we have some experience for the future.
Offensive Line?
- Thread starter brentderocher
- Start date
I think Tibbs and Stephens are really pushing for starting jobs. 3 are set for sure Zehr, Stevenson, Brandt. Scott Fisher might hold them off, but i wouldnt be surprised if Paul gets beat out at OG somewhat soon. But they both will probably get some good PT this year.
Big question is how good and mobile will these guys be. After last year, and now facing some highly rated defenses in several games with strong rushers they are going to have to be good, prehaps be able to dominate in order to achieve goals they have. Cannot have Meyer chased and in trouble as much as last year and running backs need some holes.
DMac said the other day that one OL position is still up for grabs. Currently Paul Fisher is atop the depth chart, but right guard is still not locked down. It appears Scott Fisher has held onto the left tackle spot. Stephens, Schmelling & Tibbs are all pushing and will be solid B12 players.
Are we going to redshirt Vargas? I know he's a big boy, and I always thought he looked like a big 12 player. He'd be a redshirt freshman then in 2007, and could take over one of the tackle spots.
If he does, we could be looking at Tibbs, Schmeling, Schober, Stephens, and Vargas across the line. Man that's young and inexperienced.
If he does, we could be looking at Tibbs, Schmeling, Schober, Stephens, and Vargas across the line. Man that's young and inexperienced.
If Stephens, Schmelling & Tibbs are challenging for a starting role, wouldn't McCarney get them some playing time this year, eg if one of the starters needs a blow?
At least this way, we're not starting out with a completely inexperienced O-Line next year.
At least this way, we're not starting out with a completely inexperienced O-Line next year.
I Agree
I don't know if Mac has an issue playing back-ups or if ISU's depth has been so poor over the years, but it doesn't seem like the 2nd string guys get many snaps.
If Stephens, Schmelling or Tibbs don't start this fall, but are pushing the starters then I'd like Mac & Barney to structure in subbing those 3 guys. The ideal situation would be the starters play 75% & the 3 young players get 25%+ of the snaps.
I'd hate for Brett Meyers senior year be trashed by playing behind a line that has very little experience. I might be wrong, but I've always felt that a back-up of a little less ability is a better player than a more talented starter who is tired- especially amongst the big uglies on the lines.
I don't know if Mac has an issue playing back-ups or if ISU's depth has been so poor over the years, but it doesn't seem like the 2nd string guys get many snaps.
If Stephens, Schmelling or Tibbs don't start this fall, but are pushing the starters then I'd like Mac & Barney to structure in subbing those 3 guys. The ideal situation would be the starters play 75% & the 3 young players get 25%+ of the snaps.
I'd hate for Brett Meyers senior year be trashed by playing behind a line that has very little experience. I might be wrong, but I've always felt that a back-up of a little less ability is a better player than a more talented starter who is tired- especially amongst the big uglies on the lines.
Our Oline better be strong this year. As rated by college football news, our schedule has us facing 6 of the top 10 defensive lines in the nation this year including 1,2, & 5.
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Preview/UnitRankings_DefensiveLines.htm
http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Preview/UnitRankings_DefensiveLines.htm
I think we'll see a decent amount of rotation this fall on both lines...mostly defensive...but it would be foolish of the staff to not rotate some of the younger guys on the O-line.
And with a few of the younger guys doing well in camp...I think they've got good reason to play 'em this fall too.
And with a few of the younger guys doing well in camp...I think they've got good reason to play 'em this fall too.
I agree...and I think the young guys have justified in camp (from the reports) they deserve playing time this year.
This would be a positive indicator of improvement of the program. A large part of our late-game and late-season meltdowns is due to the #1's running out of gas and not having suitable backups.
Yup...combine at least a little rotation on the offensive line with a healthy Hicks and emergence of Josh "Juice" Johnson and we could have a solid 4th quarter running attack!