Cont preview: The Offensive Line
Last year, the line was at times maligned, and could look good for stretches (Michigan) and for other stretches (see trying to run the football, trying to block Kenny Willekes) looked lost. No reason to complain, because four of the five starters from last year are gone, so it will be a new look. No more Isaiah Prince to kick around anymore.
There hasn't been too much drama on starters. Four of the five positions are pretty well set
LT - Thayer Munford - the lone returning starter has been a little banged up, but no one thinks he will lose his job. Josh Alabi returns as his backup.
LG - Rutgers transfer Jonah Jackson is the guy here.
C - Sophomore Josh Myers is the starter.
RG - Wyatt Davis filled in last year and returns
RT - Still up in the air. Branden Bowen played last year until a bad leg injury put him down. However, Nicholas Petit-Frere was a top recruit who put on weight his freshman season and now looks ready to contribute.
The biggest issue for the line is depth. Breaking in four new starters is always dicey, and you want to have some experienced guys able back them up. Right now, senior Josh Alabi is the backup tackle and junior Gavin Cupp would probably fill in at the guard spot. After that you have a group of reshirt and true freshmen. Worth noting true freshman Harry Miller is getting lots of chatter this fall.
There is no reason to expect a big drop off. Myers might be the biggest question mark, but all of the other guys look like solid options. Depth is an issue, and any kind of multiple injury problem will be tough to overcome.