With spring ball about to start on Wednesday (thanks to Greg Auman for correcting an earlier post on the start date for the camp). The USF offensive line, one of the strengths from last season, has a few holes to fill this year, including left guard and center (lost Jeremiah Warren, Chaz Hine, and Kevin McCaskill at those positions to graduation). USF brought in two JUCO linemen that could be in the mix, but there is a young, talented group of linemen that will battle for the positions.
At left tackle, the Bulls return Mark Popek (6-7 290-pounds) who started most of the season during his junior year and freshman Darrell Williams (6-5 275-pounds) who played briefly last year. This is a strong returning position, protecting the quarterbacks' blindside. Popek is the starter, but Williams will be able to push him.
At the left guard position, there is a wide open competition for the job. John McGhin (6-4 321-pounds) returns, but has limited experience and has battled a few injuries during his young career. JUCO signee Lawrence Martin, who enrolled early, could win the job and will be a key contributor this season.
The biggest position battle this spring is for center. The Bulls don't have anyone at the moment to take over the spot (McCaskill and Hine are both gone). JUCO signee Chandlor Mathews could get the job (enrolled early). Austin Reiter (6-3 272-pounds) and Thor Jozwiak (6-4 294-pounds) are possibilities as well at the spot (Fitch has stated they will get the first crack at the job), but neither has taken a snap at center, leaving the position open for competition.
At the right guard position, USF is set with Danous Estenor (6-3 297-pounds) returning for his senior season and returning back-up Damien Edwards (6-5 322-pounds). At the right tackle position, freshman Quinterrius Eatmon (6-6 304-pounds) returns after winning the job and starting the entire season. last year The Bulls do lose reserve Darren Powe, so the team will need to identify a back-up.
The Bulls have a lot of young and talented offensive linemen on the roster, but many have never taken a snap at the college level. This spring will be critical for them to work hard and find what positions they are best at and get a better understanding of the offense. The coaches are excited about the talent, but the inexperience could hurt down the road.
Young players such as Max Lang (6-5 279-pounds), along with Reiter and Jozwiak will all get a chance to shine early and often. Sophomore Steven Jacques (6-3 299-pounds), Mak Djulbegovic (6-5 257-pounds), Brynjar Gudmundsson (6-4 289-pounds), Jake Kaufman (6-9 362-pounds), Jake Smith (6-3 279-pounds), and Michael York (6-3 357-pounds) all have a chance to prove to the coaches they are ready for the big time and work their way up the depth chart.
The real positions to watch this spring are center and left guard this season as the Bulls look to replace last year's starters. It will also be important to watcher the young reserves get better and work their way up the depth chart.
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