As coach34 has said, Mullen better bust *** at OL recruiting, probably even have to go the JUCO route. Considering that JP Alford and D. Merritt left, here is what we have.
Seniors: Jenkins, Spencer
Juniors: Freeman, Melichar, Sherrod, Brignone
Sophs: Lawrence, Looney, Saulsberry
R/Fresh: Hardy, Smith
T/Fresh: Watts, Jackson
Lets assume that to really compete in this badass conference that lineman shouldn't start until at least their 3rd year (3rd year sophomores)
2010 lineup would be Sherrod/Saulsberry/Smith/Brignone/Lawrence
2010 backups would be Freeman/Melichar/Looney/Hardy
2010 spot duty would be Watts/Jackson
2010 true freshmen would redshirt
2011 lineup would be Lawrence/Looney/Saulsberry/Smith/Hardy
2011 backups would be Watts/Jackson/unknowns
This is assuming no injuries, transfers, or dismissals.
The loss of Alford and Merritt (loss in numbers, not quality) along with Croom's ****** recruiting have killed us at OL. The depth in 2011 is going to be terrible along the line. Mullen better get some badasses THIS YEAR so they have time to hit the weights, learn the college game, mature, etc. I would also look hard for a JD Hamilton, Randy Thomas, Wes Shivers, etc.
I know we've rehashed this crap before, but Croom didn't realize that this ain't the NFL where everybody can play. Some guys just don't pan out and you can't trade, cut/sign, etc. like in the pros. Young offensive linemen take time to mature, so you must sign 2-3 years ahead.
Mullen needs quality and quantity this year. Waiting till next year will be too late. He needs it this year, with another good class next year. Damn that Croom.
Seniors: Jenkins, Spencer
Juniors: Freeman, Melichar, Sherrod, Brignone
Sophs: Lawrence, Looney, Saulsberry
R/Fresh: Hardy, Smith
T/Fresh: Watts, Jackson
Lets assume that to really compete in this badass conference that lineman shouldn't start until at least their 3rd year (3rd year sophomores)
2010 lineup would be Sherrod/Saulsberry/Smith/Brignone/Lawrence
2010 backups would be Freeman/Melichar/Looney/Hardy
2010 spot duty would be Watts/Jackson
2010 true freshmen would redshirt
2011 lineup would be Lawrence/Looney/Saulsberry/Smith/Hardy
2011 backups would be Watts/Jackson/unknowns
This is assuming no injuries, transfers, or dismissals.
The loss of Alford and Merritt (loss in numbers, not quality) along with Croom's ****** recruiting have killed us at OL. The depth in 2011 is going to be terrible along the line. Mullen better get some badasses THIS YEAR so they have time to hit the weights, learn the college game, mature, etc. I would also look hard for a JD Hamilton, Randy Thomas, Wes Shivers, etc.
I know we've rehashed this crap before, but Croom didn't realize that this ain't the NFL where everybody can play. Some guys just don't pan out and you can't trade, cut/sign, etc. like in the pros. Young offensive linemen take time to mature, so you must sign 2-3 years ahead.
Mullen needs quality and quantity this year. Waiting till next year will be too late. He needs it this year, with another good class next year. Damn that Croom.
