What Happened in 2008?

If there was one position that underachieved this past year it was definitly the Offensive Line.  This was a talented, veteran group that was supposed to help sustain the running game and protect the young quarterbacks so they could develop.  They did a good job protecting the quarterbacks but the run game wasn’t enough.  They should have been able to get Graig Cooper at least 1,000 yards rushing but didn’t and that made it more difficult for the young quarterbacks.

What to Expect in 2009?

This unit lost 2 starters, but brings in a couple young guys that could make an impact.  Youngsters like Harland Gunn, Jermain Johnson, Benjamin Jones, and Brandon Washington should develop, but not be polished enough to be dominant.  Veterans like A.J. Trump, Orlando Franklin, and Jason Fox, will have to be leaders that bring along the young guys to develop.

Superlatives:

MVP: Jason Fox – this guy has NFL measureables and will protect Jacory Harris’s back.  He should allow running holes and time to throw.

Mr. Consistency: Orlando Franklin- He is a veteran that won’t wow you every time, but you can rely on him to be a presence and keep defensive lineman away from the ball, for the most part.

You’ll Know him by October: Harland Gunn – This guy has apparently been a monster on scout team.  He will now get to see some playing time and should progress as a solid rotation player, he finally has the physical tools to block at this level.

Make Sure you have your Degree when you leave: Ian Symmonette – He hasn’t made enough of an impact to contribute consistently.  He is a huge body that lacks lateral quickness and doesn’t have the ability to dominate in the trenches.  From all accounts he is a hard worker who just couldn’t make it happen here.

Next up: Quarterbacks

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Line
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Backs
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Running/Full Backs
5. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Quarterbacks