What we know: LT and LG are set in stone thanks to the talents of Kyle Murphy (who will be transitioning from RT) and Josh Garnett
What we don't know: Who will be playing at RT and RG. Casey Tucker, Nick Davidson, and Dave Bright are expected to compete for the vacant RT spot, while Johnny Caspers, Brendon Austin, and Brandon Fanaika will determine whether Caspers stays at RG or a newcomer emerges.
What's unclear: Whether or not C is up for grabs. I've heard everything from all positions are up for grabs outside of LT and LG to the competition being limited to RT and RG. Graham Shuler held down the C spot last year but it's unclear whether his performance was strong enough to warrant a guaranteed spot or if he will face competition to retain his starting role for the second consecutive season.
What we've heard Part One: Nick Davidson, the most experienced candidate involved in the battle for RT, looks to be recovering from a semi-serious injury which may sideline him throughout the duration of Fall camp. This would make Casey Tucker the likeliest candidate to succeed Murphy at RT. The former 5-star recruit seemed destined for a heavier role on the O-line this year even before Davidson's setback. But with Davidson now sidelined longer than expected, Tucker's path to the starting lineup just became that much clearer.
What we've heard Part Two: Brandon Fanaika has been drawing rave reviews at the OG position. He looks to become a major contributor along the O-line, potentially as soon as this season. With Caspers' up and down year at RG last season, the door has definitely been pushed open for someone to come in and take command of that position. As a redshirt freshman, Fanaika may not be seasoned enough to beat out the more veteran Caspers. His upside, however, appears to be off the charts. In any which case, expect the battle for RG to be one that plays out deep into camp.
What the 2015 starting lineup is expected to look like:
LT: Kyle Murphy (6'7, 301 lbs.)
LG: Josh Garnett (6'5, 321 lbs.)
C: Graham Shuler (6'4, 285 lbs.) or Johnny Caspers (6'4, 300 lbs.)
RG: Johnny Caspers (6'4, 300 lbs.) or Brendon Austin (6'6, 300 lbs.) or Brandon Fanaika (6'3, 300 lbs.)
RT: Casey Tucker (6'6, 300 lbs.) or Nick Davidson (6'7, 285 lbs.) or Dave Bright (6'5, 294 lbs.)
What we don't know: Who will be playing at RT and RG. Casey Tucker, Nick Davidson, and Dave Bright are expected to compete for the vacant RT spot, while Johnny Caspers, Brendon Austin, and Brandon Fanaika will determine whether Caspers stays at RG or a newcomer emerges.
What's unclear: Whether or not C is up for grabs. I've heard everything from all positions are up for grabs outside of LT and LG to the competition being limited to RT and RG. Graham Shuler held down the C spot last year but it's unclear whether his performance was strong enough to warrant a guaranteed spot or if he will face competition to retain his starting role for the second consecutive season.
What we've heard Part One: Nick Davidson, the most experienced candidate involved in the battle for RT, looks to be recovering from a semi-serious injury which may sideline him throughout the duration of Fall camp. This would make Casey Tucker the likeliest candidate to succeed Murphy at RT. The former 5-star recruit seemed destined for a heavier role on the O-line this year even before Davidson's setback. But with Davidson now sidelined longer than expected, Tucker's path to the starting lineup just became that much clearer.
What we've heard Part Two: Brandon Fanaika has been drawing rave reviews at the OG position. He looks to become a major contributor along the O-line, potentially as soon as this season. With Caspers' up and down year at RG last season, the door has definitely been pushed open for someone to come in and take command of that position. As a redshirt freshman, Fanaika may not be seasoned enough to beat out the more veteran Caspers. His upside, however, appears to be off the charts. In any which case, expect the battle for RG to be one that plays out deep into camp.
What the 2015 starting lineup is expected to look like:
LT: Kyle Murphy (6'7, 301 lbs.)
LG: Josh Garnett (6'5, 321 lbs.)
C: Graham Shuler (6'4, 285 lbs.) or Johnny Caspers (6'4, 300 lbs.)
RG: Johnny Caspers (6'4, 300 lbs.) or Brendon Austin (6'6, 300 lbs.) or Brandon Fanaika (6'3, 300 lbs.)
RT: Casey Tucker (6'6, 300 lbs.) or Nick Davidson (6'7, 285 lbs.) or Dave Bright (6'5, 294 lbs.)
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