As we inch closer to the season opener, I am breaking down each position group for the Tigers. Next up is the offensive line.
The Tigers are in great shape up front this season, returning 4 of 5 starters. The only departure is OT Jordan McFadden, who is now in the NFL, and OG Marcus Tate is back from injury. At this time last year, center was a big question mark because Will Putnam, who had never played the position, moved from guard to take over as the new starting center, and he did a fantastic job last season. Starting along side with Putnam and Tate will be senior Walker Parks at right guard and sophomore Blake Miller at right tackle, who got a ton of experience last season as a freshman. Co-starters at left tackle, replacing McFadden, are redshirt sophomore Tristan Leigh and redshirt freshman Colin Sadler. Dabo has raved about the improvement of Tristan Leigh since he arrived as a freshman, saying no one on the team works harder than him. You may recall he ran down Andrew Mukuba in the spring game, preventing a would-be pick-six. Sadler was highly recruited out of high school and is now ready to show what he can do in a game.
The Tigers are as deep as they've ever been along the offensive line. Dabo said that he really feels 8 or 9 players are worthy of starting. That list includes Mitchell Mayes, Trent Howard, John Williams, Dietrick Pennington, Ryan Linthicum and true freshman Harris Sewell, who the coaches are very high on. Pennington had an unfortunate injury last year, but he's massive at 6'5 and 340 pounds, and I look forward to seeing him on the field. Mitchell Mayes has a ton of experience at tackle and will play both tackle and guard. Trent Howard will play left guard but also back up Putnam at center along with Linthicum.
The Tigers have one of the best back fields in the country with Shipley, Mafah and Klubnik, and I can't wait to see what they can do behind this talented and deep offensive line!
Stay tuned, as I break down each position group on the defensive side of the ball next!
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