OL - Predict...

[rok]

I mean they're just gonna decide - out of the ******* blue - to move Darling inside after starting 13 games at LT and hand the job to St. Louis? I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[F-MarioCristobal]

The OL will be fine. We had less than 20 starts COMBINED on our OL going into 2015, and the majority of them belonged to Isidora. Linder had a few and Darling had a few. That's it. Now we return everyone that even contributed last year except Joe Brown, no loss there. Now, they get a new coach, new S&C, they will be more experienced, stronger, leaner, better conditioned all around, more technical with Searels tutelage, and instead of still trying to find their position throughout the season, we should know the starters by the end of the spring at the latest. Starting 3 sophomores on the OL is never a good thing regardless of talent. Now it will be 3 juniors and 2 seniors most likely.

McDermott was hurt all spring, missed the most important off season of his life, the first full offseason of his college career. That slowed his development. He'll get a full off season this time and be bigger, stronger, faster, etc. just like everyone else. The talent is there.

Best case scenario, St. Louis or Milo beat out Darling for LT, you can't just give it to either, they have to earn it, then Darling can move to his more natural RT or a guard position. If not, Darling will be fine. He has the experience there, and at very least will be better than last year, like everyone else, bigger, stronger, faster, and in better shape.

Best case-- St. Louis *wins* the LT job.
LT- St. Louis
LG-McDermott
C-Linder
RG-Isidora
RT-Darling (Sunny is missing the spring most likely. We'll see how his recovery goes. I could see Darling at RG and Isidora as the rotational man/6th man)

Most likely--
LT-Darling
LG-McDermott
C-Linder
RG-Isidora
RT-Odogwu
and hopefully St. Louis in the rotation, could put it together and by the end of the year be like the 1st scenario. Time will tell

 

[RoCanes]

I mean they're just gonna decide - out of the ****ing blue - to move Darling inside after starting 13 games at LT and hand the job to St. Louis? I'll believe it when I see it.

Rok, Remember this is a new coaching staff,Richts and Searles could care less about who and how many starts after watching film on our OL.
You act players dont move around to better the team and themselves.

 

[rok]

I mean they're just gonna decide - out of the ****ing blue - to move Darling inside after starting 13 games at LT and hand the job to St. Louis? I'll believe it when I see it.

Rok, Remember this is a new coaching staff,Richts and Searles could care less about who and how many starts after watching film on our OL.
You act players dont move around to better the team and themselves.

A clean slate definitely counts for something. However, when it comes to OL in particular, experience matters quite a bit.

Of course, if Gauthier, Milo, Jones, St. Louis, Mahoney are the best 5 OL during camp they'll be the starters but Kaaya will end up in the ER because of MEs that occur with younger players along the OL, similar to what we saw a lot of in 2015.

 

[RoCanes]

I mean they're just gonna decide - out of the ****ing blue - to move Darling inside after starting 13 games at LT and hand the job to St. Louis? I'll believe it when I see it.

Rok, Remember this is a new coaching staff,Richts and Searles could care less about who and how many starts after watching film on our OL.
You act players dont move around to better the team and themselves.

A clean slate definitely counts for something. However, when it comes to OL in particular, experience matters quite a bit.

Of course, if Gauthier, Milo, Jones, St. Louis, Mahoney are the best 5 OL during camp they'll be the starters but Kaaya will end up in the ER because of MEs that occur with younger players along the OL, similar to what we saw a lot of in 2015.

He did get knocked out of the Clemson game! Remember??
BK missed a game and half due to poor Ol play and an OC who calls play as if he's playing Xbox with his friends
One thing about BK he took a beating all season, stood in there trying to make a play and never did see him go off on his linemen.

Real talk rok ,in many ways the offense that Xbox ran did hinder our OL and Kaaya. IMO

All I want is the best five to jell and dominate the LOS. Protect our QB and open up running lanes for our backs.
become a team strength. play smart and punish defenses for 4 quarters.

 

[FrancisSawyer]

LT - St. Louis
LG - McD
C - Linder
RG - Isidora
RT - Darling

or

LT - Darling
LG - McD
C - Linder
RG - Isidora
RT - Odogwu

I agree about Linder and Isidora and the likelihood that both start. I disagree however on Darling being a Tackle right or left. He just doesn't have the feet or the athleticism required. Darling is a guard all the way on this level. If Darling nails down a tackle spot, I will declare Searles the GOAT!

 

[fresssh]

As others have stated, coach Kool and the new defensive scheme is going to have a HUGE impact on this unit. How were these guys supposed to learn to block pennetrating linemen if ours werent allowed to in practice? Im expecting this unit to be a knight and day difference from last season. Throw in new strength and contditioning coach and theyl be good to go.

 

[deleted1998]

I'm good with any 5 that does not have McDermott in the starting lineup. He's a major bust

McDermott and Gall both stink--These are the two worst lineman out the the regular rotation guys

I think the 5 will be:

LT - St Louis
LG- Darling
Center Linder
RG - Isadora
RT - Sunny

McDermott has his issues but he might be our best lineman.