SEC Network analyst ranks conference's top offensive linemen for 2016
As the start of the 2016 CFB season approaches, the SEC Network has been consistently ranking the top position units within the conference.
Very recently, analyst Matt Stinchcomb put together what he felt would be the best “dream” starting five group — based upon having each position (LT, LG, C, RG, RT) accounted for.
Here’s what he came up with:
LT: Cam Robinson, Alabama
LG: Frank Ragnow, Arkansas
C: Ethan Pocic, LSU
RG: Braden Smith, Auburn
RT: David Sharpe, Florida
Stinchcomb spoke about Alabama’s gifted left tackle in relation to the rest of the OL crop in the conference. The analyst feels as if “[Robinson is] probably the most polished and if he’s healthy, he’s probably the best.”
Ragnow has been a staple within the Arkansas line the past few seasons. A versatile player, Stinchcomb is very impressed with the Minnesota native. “To me, he’s one of those guys who’s almost like a Tonka Truck,” said Stinchcomb. ‘You gotta have some goons on your offensive line. Big Frank is one of those guys.”
Pocic has been one of the top lineman — on either side of the ball — for the Tigers in the last few seasons. Like Ragnow, Pocic has played multiple positions along the offensive line. As a result, Stinchcomb believes he’s developed exceptionally well.
“He’s a smart player, he can get out in space if you want to pull him. Great centerpiece for any offensive front.”
Stinchcomb also gushed about Smith’s physique as a guard inside.
“He’s jacked up. He’s got muscles in his ear lobes.”
Sharpe is the most interesting name on the list. While Florida’s offensive line unit may have had collective issues when it came to protecting its quarterback in 2015, Stinchcomb also attributes that to the quarterback’s willingness to hold onto the football.
On Sharpe, Stinchcomb feels as if “he’s a big body. He can play left tackle. He’s playing with more of a mean streak.”