Assuming the Position: Breaking Down the Fighting Illini Offensive Linemen
By Editorial Staff
The fourth installment of Writing Illini’s position breakdowns dissects the Illinois offensive line.
In football, the offensive and defensive lines may not be the most glamorous positions, but they are typically one of the most important, and certainly the “meat and potatoes” on very good teams.
In 2010, the Illinois O-line will have the challenge of protecting a new quarterback in Nathan Scheelhaase and creating holes for Illinois’ running back tandem of Mikel Leshoure and Jason Ford.
Due to the inexperience at quarterback and the fact that the Illini likely will rely heavily on the run game this year, the line will have to protect against defenses that will stack the line of scrimmage and blitz often.
The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall
Going into the season, juniors Jeff Allen (#71 above) and Corey Lewis appeared to be locks at the starting offensive tackles, with both players having two years of experience and bringing the energy and work ethic needed for this most demanding position.
When breaking down the running game last week, the offensive line was mentioned for its critical role of blocking for the star running backs and keeping the pressure off the young quarterbacks.
Just as it looked like Illinois had the duo in place to create holes for the backs, neutralize pass rushes from opponent defensive ends, and protect from blitzing outside linebackers and pesky cornerbacks, disaster struck.
On April 24th during Illinois’ spring game at Memorial Stadium, Lewis tore his ACL and will be sidelined for the season as he undergoes and recovers from surgery.
In his absence, redshirt senior Ryan Palmer has moved into a starting position. Palmer is not a bad replacement as he has played to an extent in games for the past three years, including on the 2007 Rose Bowl Squad.
However, there was a reason that Lewis beat Palmer for the job, and his absence on the line will be noticed.
Examining the Illini Offensive Line
Before going into the depth chart, it’s important to note the terminology of new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino’s pro-style offense.
Petrino does not use traditional terms like left and right guard, or left and right tackle.
Rather, he describes his players as weak-side and strong-side linemen, terminology that allows them to shift from side to side in certain formations and schemes.
You can learn more about this terminology in John Supinie’s incredibly timely article.
With that said, I will use traditional terminology when detailing the depth chart.
The Center Depth Chart
Opening Day Starter: #76 Graham Pocic
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Height / Weight: 6’-7” / 305 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 10 games (7 Big Ten), 0 starts
The Backup Plan: #61 Tyler Sands
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Height / Weight: 6’-5” / 305 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 3 games (2 Big Ten), 1 start
The Third Stringer: #69 Ryan Sedlacek
Year: Sophomore
Height / Weight: 6’-4” / 300 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: None
The Offensive Guard Depth Chart
Opening Day Starter: #72 Hugh Thornton
Year: Sophomore
Height / Weight: 6’-5” / 310 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 7 games (5 Big Ten), 7 starts
Opening Day Starter: #66 Randall Hunt
Year: Senior
Height / Weight: 6’-6” / 315 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 19 games (13 Big Ten), 11 starts
The Backup Plan: #73 Jack Cornell
Year: Redshirt Junior
Height / Weight: 6’-5” / 315 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 3 games (1 Big Ten), 0 starts
The Backup Plan: #55 Anterio Jackson
Year: Redshirt Senior
Height / Weight: 6’-2” / 300 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 1 game (1 Big Ten), 0 starts
The Third Stringer: #67 Jake Feldmeyer
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height / Weight: 6’-4” / 280 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: None
The Offensive Tackle Depth Chart
Opening Day Starter: #71 Jeff Allen
Year: Junior
Height / Weight: 6’-5” / 305 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 23 games (16 Big Ten), 21 starts
Opening Day Starter: #78 Ryan Palmer
Year: Redshirt Senior
Height / Weight: 6’-7” / 310 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 23 games
(14 Big Ten), 8 starts
Palmer was expected to be a backup to Corey Lewis going into the season. After Lewis’
injury, he was moved to the top spot.
The Backup Plan: #79 Craig Wilson
Year: Redshirt Junior
Height / Weight: 6’-5” / 320 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: 18 games (13 Big Ten), 0 starts
The Backup Plan: #64 Nate Swanson
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Height / Weight: 6’-8” / 325 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: None
The Third Stringer: #52 Alex Hill
Year: Freshman
Height / Weight: 6’-3” / 343 lbs
Collegiate Game Experience: None
Now-and-Then
The following Illini players are offensive linemen who are active members of the team, but are not expected to see action on the field this year. An asterisks by the player’s name denotes that they are available to redshirt the season should the coaches choose for them to do so.
Some Thoughts on the Illini Offensive Line
While the loss of Lewis is disappointing, as long as no other injuries occur during the preseason, the Illini offensive line should be decent enough and fare well this year.
However, if the line should suffer further injury, it will lack the depth to fill any more voids.
With opposing defenses sure to be very blitz-happy around the Illini this year, injuries could spell disaster for this squad.
Writing Illini Projections
Barring any more injuries, the experience and strength of this years line stands up well under Petrino’s pro-style offense.
While Illinois’ achievements (and failures) will most likely be attributed to the star players, the players forming this year’s O-line will be instrumental to the team’s ability to rush the ball (considered an Illini strength) and overall offensive success.
Preseason Offensive Line Grade: B
While it will l have to work extra hard this year to protect the young quarterback and running backs, the veteran line should be up for the challenge.
Expect solid if not spectacular play from these players as they do the dirty work to help make the rest of the Illinois offense look good.