Image: An unidentified NC State lineman demonstrates the fine art of pass protection.
Many of you may recall the series of articles I posted in the preseason ranking the offensive line units of the Amato Era.
The verdict is in, and I can say, unequivocally, that this year’s offensive line is indeed the worst of the Amato era.
Unfortunately, without a dramatic change (e.g., position coach and coordinator change) the play of our offensive line is not likely to improve significantly, if at all, in 2007.
As poorly as this line has played, and as penalty prone as they have been, the 2006 rendition of “The Matadors” features 3 seniors (Leroy Harris, Jon Holt, and James Newby).
Only Meares Green, among the backups, has seen significant playing time in a reserve role, appearing in 6 games. Luke Lathan has played 13 snaps over 2 games, Merci Falaise has played 6 snaps in 1 game, and Jerrail McCuller has played 3 snaps in 1 game.
So what will the 2007 line look like?
At tackle, we will break in 2 new starters (anyone’s guess since no reserve has played significantly). The best bets are Jerrail McCuller and Julian Williams, although Meares Green (if he isn’t manning one of the guard spots) is an option. It should be noted that through 8 games, and despite the truly wretched performance of Holt and Newby, the staff is either too stubborn or lacks the confidence to get McCuller and Williams in for even an occasional series.
At guard, we will return Kalani Heppe and Curtis Crouch, who are arguably the two best (and only decent–sorry Leroy, but your senior year has been awful) lineman this season. Lets hope they stay healthy, because as with the tackles, there is absolutlely zero experience behind these two (the same as with the tackles for that matter).
At center, we have Luke Lathan with 13 snaps of experience this season as the presumed starter. Andy Barbee and Meares Green are options and may push Lathan for the starting spot. Unfortunately, neither of these two have snapped a ball in a college game.
The wildcards of the bunch include former Juco A-A Garrett Kline (who has done squat in 2 years), Yomi Ojo (same), Gerard Miller (same), and currently redshirting freshman Gary Gregory.
That accounts for all of our available returning scholarship offensive lineman.
It is doubtful that any of the 2007 recruiting class will contribute right away.
So, what will the 2007 line look like? Here is one man’s guess:
LT: Julian Williams
LG: Curtis Crouch
C: Luke Lathan
RG: Kalani Heppe
RT: Jerrail McCuller
Given that this season has quickly unraveled, largely as a result of the horrifying performance of the offensive line, would it not be in the best interest of the program to finish the last 4 games with the above line (save for L. Harris at center?)
Closing thoughts: It is advisable that a couple of defensive lineman be considered for a position move, among them:
Littleton Wright: 6’6 248 (could grow into an athletic defensive end, and has only seen spot duty at DE so far).
John Bedics: 6’4 283 (could be a Shane Riggs athletic pulling guard. very good athlete who has made plays on the defense, but is buried behind better players on the depth chart).
Gavin Smith: 6’4 280 (similar attributes as Bedics, may not be able to push up the defensive depth chart).
Ted Larson: 6’2 265 (I like this playmaker, and he may belong on the defensive side, but if neither Bedics or Smith make the move, it probably means they have pushed him off the 3-deep at tackle).
Anthony Hill: 6’6 275. Yes, I said it. If John Hannah is the real deal, Rashad Phillips develops quickly, and Kushner continues to progress, we could use Hill’s long frame at left tackle (plus a few pounds, his frame can easily carry 290). He has a penchant for dropping easy throws, so he may have a better future as an athletic tackle. VT converted one of their TEs to tackle last year right before the season, and it has worked out very well for them.
