Once again, power resides in the SEC West.
Destruction at the line of scrimmage along the defensive front is commonplace in college football’s most competitive conference, as are impressive offensive linemen intent on keeping others out of the backfield.
Championships are won in the trenches and this season will be no different.
Here are the SEC’s top offensive tackle duos as we approach the start of fall practice:
Dan Skipper and Denver Kirkland, Arkansas — According to NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock a road grader, by definition, is an offensive lineman who is “highly effective in driving a defender off the ball on a running play.” In every sense of the phrase, Bret Bielema has two road graders that like to get down and dirty snap after snap. The Skipper-Kirkland combo is one of the nation’s best at putting the competition on its … and they do it often. The All-SEC caliber juniors have combined to start 42 games over the last two seasons and bookended the SEC’s leading offense in time of possession last fall. When Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins are making NFL money in 2016, steak dinners will be on the house for these two.
Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins, LSU — By now, most avid LSU fans have read about Alexander’s versatility up front, but it’s worth repeating — this three-year starter has made the transition from left guard to right tackle with ease to ensure his offensive front doesn’t deflate without La’el Collins. Alexander has started 34 games at LSU, only nine at tackle. Hawkins slides from the right to the left side, giving the Tigers reliable veterans on opposite ends of the line to seal the edge for Leonard Fournette and Co.
Cam Robinson and Dominick Jackson, Alabama — One of three new starters for the Crimson Tide up front, Jackson’s development at right tackle is a key element in Alabama’s power run game this season. The coaching staff knows what it’s going to get out of Robinson, a freshman All-American last season and first rookie tackle to start at the Capstone since 2006. Robinson had 32 knockdown blocks in 14 games and gave up just three sacks last season despite playing more than 800 snaps.
Laremy Tunsil and Fahn Cooper, Ole Miss — Potential No. 1 draft pick Tunsil is the top tackle in the SEC heading into his junior season despite breaking his leg in the Peach Bowl. He’s been bothered by off-the-field troubles this summer after being arrested for punching his stepfather and allegedly “riding around with football agents.” Hugh Freeze has provided no further details on the situation, but Tunsil’s eligibility isn’t in question for August. Cooper’s a former JUCO transfer who played his first two years at Bowling Green before starting all 13 games in his first campaign with the Rebels last fall despite arriving late in the summer. His final season should be a productive one in Oxford.
Shon Coleman and Avery Young, Auburn — Out of Greg Robinson’s shadow last season, Coleman flourished in his first season as a starter and became a force for the Tigers at left tackle. His cancer survivor story is well-documented, one of the SEC’s strongest players off the field. Young’s played everywhere in the trenches during his career on the Plains but feels he has found his permanent spot at right tackle. He’s light on his feet and has considerable athleticism for a guy at his position.
John Theus and Kolton Houston, Georgia — The Bulldogs’ talent-rich backfield wouldn’t have much success without these two veteran bulldozers and pocket protectors between the hedges. With 35 starts over the last three seasons, Theus is Georgia’s most experienced player at the point of attack at left tackle and is an All-American candidate this season. Houston, granted a sixth year of eligibility, was named offensive MVP at conclusion of spring practice and has made 19 starts since the start of the 2013 season.
