RMU Football 2016 Preview: Offensive Line

[Original_RMC]

There have been many questions on certain positions heading into Spring Ball and even into next season.
I'll create new topics for each position, give you my perspective and possible lineups.

Offensive Line
Coach Richardson will have a tough task heading into Spring Ball with replacing two 4 year starters along the OL in Max Roberston and Nick Faraci.

Statically the offense in 2015 did not put up big numbers but one of the bright spot for the offense was the play of the OL. Sure there were games were their were struggles and challenges. But overall, I thought with the play calling, the OL did what they could against tough odds.

So let's take a look at some possible options heading into Spring Ball.

Option 1 (leverage backups per depth chart)
LT - Gio De Loera 6'3" 285 SO
LG - Blake Chambliss 6'5" 300 R-JR
C - Anthony Lucian 6'4" 280 R-SR
RG - Josh Thiel 6'3" 300 R-SR
RT - Mike Lamb 6'6" 345 SO
This would be your safest bet heading into Spring Ball. Spring ball allows the staff to play around with the lineup. You can create competition to see how players respond.

Option 2 (competition mode)
LT - Mike Lamb 6'6" 345 SO
LG - Blake Chambliss 6'5" 300 R-JR
C - Anthony Lucian 6'4" 280 R-SR
RG - Josh Thiel 6'3" 300 R-SR
RT - Drew Garbenis 6'5" 315 R-JR

Option 2 comes down to how much work Mike Lamb puts in during the offseason to make that jump from RT to LT and if mentally, Drew Garbenis is ready. It seemed that Drew was ready in camp to take that RT spot but it slipped away from him allowing Lamb to jump him.

IMO, there are two legit wildcards for the OL.
Ian Bjuro 6'3"285 R-SO
Matthew Fennell 6'4" 285 FR

Is Bjuro healthy enough for Spring Ball and if so, he could be someone that battles for LT or even C. Bjuro to C and Lucian to LT or vice versa.
I'm very impressed with Matthew Fennel on tape. I think the young man could make a push to get playing time on the OL as a FR. But where? He seems ideal for RG or LG at RMU.
Let's say we get into summer camp and the OL is still a mystery. If Fennell can show the Richardson he is ready, then perhaps...just maybe Richardson entertain the following:
LT - Josh Thiel 6'3" 300 R-SR
LG - Blake Chambliss 6'5" 300 R-JR
C - Anthony Lucian 6'4" 280 R-SR
RG - Matthew Fennell 6'4" 285 FR
RT - Mike Lamb 6'6" 345 SO

I believe Option 1 is what would take the field in Spring Ball. And Spring Ball will determine a lot. Is Gio ready? Is Bjuro healthy? Where is Garbenis at?
Then come to August, we could see a potential starting 5 at OL but Fennell could throw everything up in the air if he can step onto the field and be ready.

 

[tyblake2]

I am also very impressed with Matt fennells tape. There are also a few more lineman we have offered that look good. Hopefully we land them and improve the competition on the line. One is a 3 star guard from powerhouse Paramus catholic in New Jersey who weights 315 lbs. have you heard amything about mike lamb moving to left guard? I've noticed you have mentioned that a couple times. That would definitely make things interesting

 

[Original_RMC]

Not LG but maybe LT. I have not heard anything but I know at the star f the season the #1 concern was his footwork especially against YSU. I watched Lamb get better and better each week. If he can gain more lateral quickness then he could be an ideal LT for RMU. If not, then keep him at RT. It's just an option when you look at the big picture.

 

[tyblake2]

Very good point, I think he definitely improved a lot. I don't think thiel has good enough feet to play left tackle, I think he needs to stay inside. It would be nice to see garbenis step up and take a starting role at right tackle, move lamb to left, with Chambliss and possibly bjuro starting, that would be some serious size on the line. Each of them 300 plus