To continue the process of learning about each others teams, I wanted to dive into the OLs.  I know a little bit about #56 and #71, but not so much about the other guys.  As with most contests, the OL that can at least stalemate if not dominate the opposing DL gives their offense quite the leg up in moving the ball and putting up points.  For reference, here's what the Dawgs will be trotting out:

 

LT - #59 RsSO - Broderick Jones (6'4" 310 lbs)  - The former 5-star (#11 player overall nationally in the class of 2020) saw his first real action last year getting 438 snaps while filling in for injury.  He became somewhat of a savior in the National title game when the starting RG was unable to handle Bama's DL, the staff made the decision to move the starting LT (Jamaree Salyer) to RG and plug in Broderick at LT.  He not only held his own against Bama's poster boy, Will Anderson Jr., in some instances he dominated him (82.2 PFF overall; 88.3 PFF runblock).  He's a first round talent kinda guy who everyone expects him to put it all together this year.  

 

LG - #73 RsJR - Xavier Truss (6'7" 320 lbs) - A top 250 recruit from the class of 2019.  Got his feet wet a little bit at RG last year with 187 mostly garbage-time snaps.  Originally was slated as an OT, but has moved inside instead.  While he does have the length for a tackle, he doesn't have the feet, so he seems to be a better fit at guard.  Won the spot in fall camp this year over multiple challengers.  He'll be one to watch here as he's probably the biggest unknown on the Dawg OL. 

 

C - #63 RsSO - Sedrick Van Pran (6'4" 310 lbs) - The number 60 overall recruit in the class of 2020, Van Pran took won the starting job last year and hasn't looked back.  Had some early bumps and bruises, but finished the year strong.  Will be a strong contender for this year's Rimington Trophy.  

 

RG - #69 RsSO - Tate Ratledge (6'6" 315 lbs) - The number 38 overall recruit in the class of 2020, Tate won the starting RG spot previous to the 2021 season, but broke his foot 4 plays into game #1.  Still raw experience wise, but the word is he has the potential to be one of the best on the OL.  

 

RT - #70 RsJR - Warren McClendon (6'4" 300 lbs) - A top 250 recruit from the class of 2019, McClendon became the starter at RT his RsFR year and has really developed into a rock on the right side.  More of a technician than a mauler, it really tough to get him out of position.  Made the All SEC first team from the coaches poll.  

On 8/30/2022 at 12:33 PM, JunkyardDawg said:

To continue the process of learning about each others teams, I wanted to dive into the OLs.  I know a little bit about #56 and #71, but not so much about the other guys.  As with most contests, the OL that can at least stalemate if not dominate the opposing DL gives their offense quite the leg up in moving the ball and putting up points.  For reference, here's what the Dawgs will be trotting out:

 

LT - #59 RsSO - Broderick Jones (6'4" 310 lbs)  - The former 5-star (#11 player overall nationally in the class of 2020) saw his first real action last year getting 438 snaps while filling in for injury.  He became somewhat of a savior in the National title game when the starting RG was unable to handle Bama's DL, the staff made the decision to move the starting LT (Jamaree Salyer) to RG and plug in Broderick at LT.  He not only held his own against Bama's poster boy, Will Anderson Jr., in some instances he dominated him (82.2 PFF overall; 88.3 PFF runblock).  He's a first round talent kinda guy who everyone expects him to put it all together this year.  

 

LG - #73 RsJR - Xavier Truss (6'7" 320 lbs) - A top 250 recruit from the class of 2019.  Got his feet wet a little bit at RG last year with 187 mostly garbage-time snaps.  Originally was slated as an OT, but has moved inside instead.  While he does have the length for a tackle, he doesn't have the feet, so he seems to be a better fit at guard.  Won the spot in fall camp this year over multiple challengers.  He'll be one to watch here as he's probably the biggest unknown on the Dawg OL. 

 

C - #63 RsSO - Sedrick Van Pran (6'4" 310 lbs) - The number 60 overall recruit in the class of 2020, Van Pran took won the starting job last year and hasn't looked back.  Had some early bumps and bruises, but finished the year strong.  Will be a strong contender for this year's Rimington Trophy.  

 

RG - #69 RsSO - Tate Ratledge (6'6" 315 lbs) - The number 38 overall recruit in the class of 2020, Tate won the starting RG spot previous to the 2021 season, but broke his foot 4 plays into game #1.  Still raw experience wise, but the word is he has the potential to be one of the best on the OL.  

 

RT - #70 RsJR - Warren McClendon (6'4" 300 lbs) - A top 250 recruit from the class of 2019, McClendon became the starter at RT his RsFR year and has really developed into a rock on the right side.  More of a technician than a mauler, it really tough to get him out of position.  Made the All SEC first team from the coaches poll.  

Great analysis of our guys.
 

If I had to pick 1 position group from 1 team in this game to have the biggest impact on the outcome, I would pick the GA O-line.  As our line goes, so goes the effectiveness of our offense.  Of coarse this is true for most teams, but I really see the guys listed above as the driving force of our offense and our style of offensive play.
 

 

Thanks for posting.  You put six on there.  Who do you think is the odd man out?  

I just saw this practice report on Oregonlve.com

 

"The offensive line drills during the first period featured T.J. Bass with Alex Forsyth and Ryan Walk as the first unit on the interior and Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and Steven Jones as the top pair of tackles. Dawson Jaramillo was with the second tackle pair and Marcus Harper II was with the second interior group."

 

 

Would that put Jones at LT in your opinion?

That does, and it is very bad news to me.

Don't rule out JC Jr at tackle. If the kid can play I say play him. He wouldn't be the first true freshman starting at the LT position. 

 

I know I know... "do you really want a freshman with zero college experience going against the defending champs?"

 

If he is the best play the best. 

And Ryan Walk should be nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy again this year. One of the most prestigious awards no one knows about. He and Stetson should be competing again for the award.