Way Too Early Look Ahead - Offensive Line

Tackle Mark Popek could be a starter in 2011 (Picture: usfnation.com)

Spring is in the air and like most fans, I am more than eager for the 2011 football season to get here! We are entering year two of the Holtz era and the team made huge strides in 2010 that should carry the program forward into this season. Many sites and fans believe this is the year that the Bulls will truly contend for the Big East title. There is a buzz in the air for this team and it is never too early to start looking at the roster and the potential lineups that Holtz and staff will put on the field. So I will be beginning a series looking at every position and analyzing the current roster and some of the incoming freshman and who may be starting and who will make an impact this season. Now remember, a lot can change between now and kickoff in the Fall, so don't blast me if I list someone who decides in the middle of the summer to transfer out. This is all speculating at this point. I will have the same series in the fall when the final rosters are finally released, then I can make a better analysis of the Bulls roster and starting lineups. But for now, let's have some fun!

First group I will be looking at is the offensive line. The Bulls lost 3 starters to graduation, including All-Big East performer with center Sampson Genus. The Bulls have depth on the offensive line so they should be able to put together a solid line, but it will be inexperienced and questions do remain. [keep reading]

The early depth chart looks somewhat like this for now:

LT - Mark Popek - 6'7" 288-pounds Sophomore (becoming Junior)

Popek started several games a freshman, but spent most of 2010 as a backup, but will be a key member on the depth chart for Holtz. Popek is a very athletic lineman, has good footwork, but he will have to work on his technique in order to anchor the left tackle position. If he can condition well this off season and stay healthy, he could be the starter here.

LG - Jeremiah Warren - 6'4" 315-pounds Junior (becoming Senior)

Warren is a physical, athletic big man that is punishing at the point of attack. He has excellent footwork and solid in both the pass and the run. He can move over to tackle if needed and may compete to start at left tackle (but better suited at guard at this point). He is a solid veteran lineman that gives Holtz some flexibility on which position he can actually play at.

Center - Kevin McCaskill - 6'1" 308-pounds Junior (becoming Senior)

McCaskill is the new center after waiting his turn and playing sparingly when Genus got hurt. He has the size and skill set to anchor the position, but he does not have the same experience level as Genus did last season as recognizing defenses. There will be plenty of competition heading into the fall for this position and several players could line up here and play, but on the depth chart as it is today, McCaskill is the veteran of the group and its his position to lose.

RG - Chaz Hine - 6'4" 300-pounds Junior (becoming Senior)

Hine is another veteran lineman that can play several positions when moved over. He is a great blocker on both runs and passes and is very athletic. He can play either tackle or guard, but is better suited at playing inside on the football and creating running lanes for the backs. He should be the starter headed into the fall due to his experience at the position.

RT - Damien Edwards - 6'5" 335-pounds Sophomore (becoming Junior)

A solid, big offensive lineman, Edwards is a great offensive lineman. He is very athletic and has a huge frame, allowing him to protect the pocket and seal the defensive end to help in the running game. He will be a starter headed into next season due to his size, ability, and experience he gained from last season. Quinterrius Eatmon could also be in the mix as well.

Others:

The Bulls have a lot of depth on the offensive line, but many of them are inexperienced at this point. Austin Reiter showed signs on the scout team, Tony Kibler, and Jake Kaufman could all get playing time. Danous Estenor and Quinterrius Eatmon both have incredible size and will play this year and could actually make the starting lineup and don't forget Darren Powe as well. The Holtz recruiting class has several offensive lineman coming in as well, like Simon and Lang, but many of them will probably redshirt as they add weight and learn the system. Overall it is a solid group that will figure out the best starting group and will have to protect the quarterback and open up the running game again this season.

Several players will probably end up moving around as the coaches work to see which players are suited at each position. Should be fun to watch.