The Offensive Line is one of the deeper units for Ohio State with three returning players who will be leading the charge. Even after the departures of Rimington winner, Billy Price and bookend Left Tackle in Jamarco Jones to the NFL, this specific unit will bring another wave of talent to the table.
Obviously, this unit did not come unscathed and due to the crowded room, Ohio State lost a handful of potential two-deep players in Matthew Burrell, Kevin Feder, and Evan Lisle, but even without them, I wish them the best of luck with their new teams. There is no ill will on my end and the rest of Buckeye Nation should do the same, but that rarely happens. Either way, the room still has a plethora of former five and high four stars, that will get their shot this season.
The fall camp would bring some more intense competition for starting spots along the Offensive Line, but the surefire starters will be Prince at Left Tackle and Michael Jordan at Left Guard. Beyond that, Brady Taylor looks to be the favorite in the Center battle, it is a toss-up between former starter that is returning from a season-ending leg injury in Brandon Bowen and Demetrius Knox for the Right Guard spot and Bowen could also be a factor at Right Tackle with Thayer Munford.
If I were to call it right now, I think from the left side to the right, it will be Prince, Jordan, Taylor, Knox, and Munford as the starters. Following that, the two-deep would look like Alabi, Davis, Myers, Bowen, and true freshman Petit-Frere. Other true freshmen, Max Wray and Matthew Jones could also make some noise in the fall so stay tuned.
All in all the unit is not as deep, but they are deep enough to nearly have a three deep in place in case of emergency. This year’s line will be important to maintain the balance between the run and the pass. They need road graders and maulers to do so and I think this line will be special. Call it a gut feeling, but I think it’ll be a fun year.
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