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In a league known far more for its dominant defensive linemen, both LSU and Alabama’s offensive line are well represented in one national writer’s opinion.
In his preseason best of countdown series, Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports has moved to the big uglies up front. Not only does Feldman rank both SEC West powerhouses as having the best offensive lines in the SEC, he believes only one other school in the nation currently has a better offensive line than either the Tigers or the Tide (Clemson).
Feldman’s thoughts on LSU’s offensive line heading into the season:
Ethan Pocic is a tall center at 6-6, 302 pounds. He’s also an excellent one. He’s strong, athletic and explosive. Better still, he’s a gymrat. Left guard William Clapp is one of the best linemen in the SEC. He’s just very solid. Right guard Josh Boutte may be the most physical O-lineman the Tigers have, according to Les Miles. He’s a heavy-handed player and is a beast as a pulling guard. Maea Teuhema is a really athletic, fluid tackle at 6-4, 325-pound player who also can play guard and Toby Weathersby is physical sophomore from Texas battling for a spot at tackle along with Chidi Okeke, a nimble 6-6, 310-pound redshirt freshman from Nigeria. Also, remember the name Donovaughan Campbell, a 6-5, 350-pound freshman road-grader at guard that the staff is excited about.
The Tide had the nation’s best O-line last season, but did lose some good players off that 2015 squad. Most notably, center Ryan Kelly, the best guy and the leader of the group. Cam Robinson returns at left tackle and he’s a dominant force, especially in the run game. Sophomore guard/center Ross Pierschbacher is heady and physical and a guy the staff is really high on — as are guard Brandon Kennedy and Lester Cotton. Massive Alphonse Taylor started all last season at guard, but his recent DUI has put his status in jeopardy since he’s been suspended indefinitely. He had a bad offseason and has battled weight issues and was actually demoted in the spring. Freshman OT Jonah Williams may be the most talented player of all of ’em (with the possible exception of Robinson). Saban and his staff love the 6-5, 290-pound California import. “He’s a very bright guy and very athletic. He has really good lower-body explosion. Good feet,” Saban said, adding that Williams just needs to get a little bigger and stronger.
If these two units can live up to the preseason hype, it only adds to the level of anticipation for the Nov. 5 showdown between the two in Baton Rouge. Last season, LSU’s offensive line failed to control the more talented Alabama defensive front and it cost them the game. Will this year prove to be any different?
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
