Missouri offensive line coach A.J. Ricker is entering his second year on the job, and the former Tiger has a lot to work with.

Ricker, a latecomer to the 2014 coaching staff, oversees a line that consistently turns out pro talent. A few players on this year’s line could become the next, but first Ricker has to decide where to play them.

Missouri is returning a quarterback with two years of staring experience as well as some of perhaps the most talented group of running backs in the Gary Pinkel era. Assuming the offensive line returns to 2014’s mid-season form, the Tigers will only have to worry about an inexperienced receiving corps on the offensive side of the ball.

Key starter: Connor McGovern, Missouri’s strongest player, moves to left tackle after excelling at guard and right tackle last season. The Tigers will look for more of the same from McGovern on the left side, whose last two occupants (Mitch Morse and Justin Britt) went on to become high draft picks.  

Star potential: A preseason All-SEC center, Evan Boehm is clearly the leader of this line. At 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Boehm has the frame to move elsewhere on the line. But his familiarity with the position, where he’s played since he was a freshman, as well as with quarterback Maty Mauk, made the decision to stay put a no-brainer. If Boehm is able to avoid an Indiana-like game, expect him to be a finalist for the Rimington Trophy.

Keep an eye on: Malik Cuellar, a JUCO transfer, should work himself into the conversation at right tackle. He’s currently listed as the backup left tackle, but don’t be surprised to see his position and depth spot shift by the end of camp. With JUCO transfer Tyler Howell failing to academically qualify, Cuellar will be the newcomer the Tigers count on the most.

Other projected starters: Nate Crawford is currently the starting right tackle. Mitch Hall provides some senior experience at right guard, as does Taylor Chappell at left guard. Both seniors gained some starting experience on last season’s team.

Curveball: The Tigers love Crawford and how he has improved (the team named him the most improved offensive lineman in the spring). But the redshirt sophomore is fairly young compared to recent Missouri right tackles, the injury-ravaged 2012 squad excluded. Missouri feels it can play Crawford anywhere on the line, but the team will really need him to solidify a right tackle position that experienced some shuffling last season. 

Most telling game: The Tigers travel to Athens on Oct. 17, in what could be a division-deciding contest. Missouri’s offense struggled mightily against Georgia last season, getting shut out 34-0. Although the receivers’ inability to get open much that game was the most glaring problem, it’s not like the line was playing at its best either, surrendering three sacks to the Bulldogs. Missouri’s line will have a chance to avenge itself against returning pass rushers Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins and Lorenzo Carter in what will likely be the team’s most challenging game.