(dan4vols @ Jun 12 said:
Man just think about it. On paper we have an offensive line that will be 4-5 rookies, not to mention the TE. A QB that has been errattic in the past, LBs are being rebuilt, patchwork defensive line, special teams that are hopeless. How in the world do we expect to beat a Cal team with a good rb thats a throwing team and on defense returns two veteran corners. Our runs are gonna get stuffed and our passes should they actually get thrown theres a whole lot more that can go bad and only 1 good outcome. How can we even move the chains, let alone score?This may be a a negative post but it could very well be the reality of whats gonna happen. Of course I HOPE that our olinemen gel as a unit and Arian Foster runs like a madman, just move the chains baby. I HOPE that our TE will be a Wittenlike suprise, and that Ainge'e mechanics and footwork as well as his confidence and swagger have vastly improved. With coach Cut's direction I hope so, that and every single player challenge themselves to execution on every play. I HOPE our defense will be attacking the line of scrimmage while maintaing a healthy respect for fundamental tackling. Thats why they play the games cause it aint decided by negative or positive posts in message boards. GO VOLS!
How do you get a O line with 4-5 rookies.
David Ligon
2005 - Games/Starts: 7/4 ... Claimed starting center spot on depth chart during preseason practice but suffered ankle injury during August scrimmage ... Saw limited action at center during Vols' 27-10 win over Mississippi ... Made first career start when the Vols visited Notre Dame ... Also started versus Memphis, Vanderbilt and Kentucky ... Selected to Academic All-SEC team.
Aaron Sears
2005 - Games/Starts: 11/11 ... Played all but center position during 2005 ... Named first-team All-SEC by league coaches and writers ... Started first two games of season at left tackle ... Started at right guard and played 85 snaps in LSU game ... Played every O-line position but center versus Tigers ... Started at left guard versus Ole Miss and earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors ... For his career, has 13 starts at left tackle, six at right tackle, four at right guard and one at left guard.
Ramon Foster
2005 - Games/Starts: 7/2 ... Drew two starting assignments out of seven games played ... Six of those appearances were versus SEC competition ... For his efforts, earned Freshman All-SEC nod by league coaches ... Started at left guard in collegiate debut vs. UAB after injuries at center position forced veteran Rob Smith to fill that void ... Saw action along the offensive front at LSU ... Saw significant playing time vs. Vanderbilt and started at right tackle in the season-finale at Kentucky.
Eric Young
2005 - Games/Starts: 9/2 ... Played nine games, including last six in succession ... Made first career start when Vols traveled to LSU ... Added second consecutive start at left tackle position during win over Mississippi
Anthony Parker
2005 - Games/Starts: 6/1 ... Made collegiate debut during loss at Florida, seeing key minutes at center during first half ... Started for first time in collegiate career at LSU, manning center position ... Appeared in six games overall.
TE: Chris Brown
2005 - Games/Starts: 11/10 ... Sure-handed receiver caught passes in eight games ... Two receptions for 17 yards vs. UAB ... Catches of 14 and four yards at Florida ... Hauled in 8-yard pass at LSU ... Caught 9-yard pass vs. Mississippi ... One reception for 18 yards at Alabama and two grabs for 21 yards at Notre Dame ... Totaled career-best 25 yards in each of last two games, with three catches vs. Vanderbilt and pair of grabs at Kentucky.
Now that is just the O line. We may not be as deep as in previous years but we will be there, but it sure isn't what you would call a rookie line in 4-5 of the positions.