One Short Week Away: Preview Time: OL

The end is in sight and I must say I am officially excited. I didn't get as much accomplished as I would've liked before the start of the season. What can I say, things happen. We move on, and with the season kicking off in less than seven days and 2 weeks (give or take) of practices in the books, I can really start to sink my teeth into what the team may look like. We'll start off this series of guaranteed to be flawed and incorrect previews with the offensive line. Programming note: I have little knowledge of how to break down an OLs strengths, weaknesses, improvements, etc. Typically, my theory regarding all offensive lineman is if I don't hear their name called during a broadcast, they are doing a good job. Given this fact, the following is sure to be an utter disaster. Lets get to it.

OL Depth Chart
LT	LG	C	RG	RT
Mike Brown RJr.	Anthony Strauder RJr.	Royce Blackledge RSr.	Craig Jenkins RSo.	J.D. Hamilton Sr.
Mark Melichar RFr.	Michael Gates Jr.	Johnny Carpenter RSo.	Michael Gates Jr.	Roland Terry RJr.
	J.C. Brignone RFr.	Chris Spencer RSo.		Derek Sherrod Fr.

As you can see I listed the players eligibility as well. For those of you who are wondering, the R indicates redshirt, so RJr. for example indicates that player is a redshirt junior. It might as well be said now, my depth chart my not completely sync up with the one on the official website, though the majority of the time it will. This is partly my opinion regarding who I think should play, thus discrepancies may occur.

With that out of the way, one thing that must be said, this is a very experienced line. All five were starters at some point last season. Craig Jenkins has moved from RT, where he started all 12 games last year, to RG to replace Brian Anderson. J.D. Hamilton moves from LT to RT to replace Jenkins. Hamilton started six games at LT until he was sidelined by an injury. He was replaced by Mike Brown who has yet to relinquish the job. Anthony Strauder and Royce Blackledge man LG and C respectively for another year.

As you can see, MSU basically has five starters (or the entire offensive line) returning. Having another year of experience and training under their belt, along with the cohesion that comes with playing together, I have to assume the line will be better than last year. That might not be saying much because the line was pretty bad last year. At least they were for the first seven games, during which they gave up 23 sacks. When Mike Brown became the starter at LT for the last five games, the line seems to have become exponentially better, giving up just 6 sacks. Can one person really make that much of a difference? I know LT is the most important position on the line, even so its hard to believe Brown really makes that big of an impact. Its hard to argue with results though.

The left side of the line looks to be in good shape. As you can guess from that little statistic I just threw at you the transfer from Florida, Mike Brown, is easily the most talented player on the line. Unfortunately, if last year is any indicator, if he goes down it is only a matter of time before Henig gets broken in half. Strauder has tons of experience, having started 17 games, and is solid in both pass protection and run blocking. Blackledge won't wow anyone, but he won't screw up much either. He was also voted 3rd team preseason All-SEC by the coaches and is on the Rimington Watch List. He must be doing something right. The right side may not be in as good shape. Jenkins left alot to be desired at LT. We'll have to hope guard will be a better fit for him. Hamilton is servicable, but not much more than that.

As far as depth goes........well I have no idea. I know Michael Gates has gotten a good amount of playing time but everyone else has very little to none. Derek Sherrod is the highest rated OL to come out of high school to Mississippi State in probably 6 or 7 years. Being just a freshman I doubt he is ready yet. Its fairly rare to see an OL come in and play much as a true freshman.

My Rating: 6.5/10
I would say they were below average as a whole last year. I am hopeful that another year playing together and the expected improvement will push them over to just above average. When I think of this line, serviceable is the first word that comes to mind.