I just rewatched the spring game and focused primarily on the offensive line. Heres some thoughts on the starting 5 up front.
Left tackle- Taylor Decker. He didn't play in the spring game but he is primed for a huge year. Urban Meyer said he was our best offensive lineman at the end of last season. He is more of a true left tackle than Mewhort, and Mewhort was a good one. We'll need him to be a leader in the Oline meeting room and film room because he has far and away the most experience.
Left Guard- Pat Elfein. He didn't play in the spring game either. This guy was really impressive when he saw the field in two of our biggest games last season. He has the perfect frame to play guard. He is a former wrestler and it really shows. He plays with great leverage and always keeps a good base. He's going to be one of those 3 star Ohio guys that end up being great Buckeyes.
Center- Jacoby Boren. He is a little bit undersized but he understands how to use angles to create running lanes. He's not going to drive a 350lb nose tackle five yards off the ball but he will move him with good feet and body control. He seems to always stay in front of his man while pass blocking. He has seen valuable playing time since he's been at Ohio State and has never had a bad snap. He will be a solid center for us. Plus he's a Boren.
Right Guard- Chad Lindsay. The Alabama transfer will bring valuable experience to our young offensive line. Before rewatching the spring game I would have said Chad Lindsay will be the starting center and Antonio Underwood would start at right guard but Underwood was not very impressive in the spring game. It was his first time playing football in The Horseshoe in a year but he was consistently beaten by Michael Hill whether he was run blocking or pass blocking. Summer workouts will be important for Chad Lindsay because he needs to get quicker and slimmer so he can pull effectively. Demetrious Knox will come in right away and compete for this spot.
Right Tackle- Daryl Baldwin. This guy looks the part of an All Big Ten tackle. He has a massive frame with long arms and good feet. He has paid his dues at Ohio State and I think he will be a solid right tackle for the Buckeyes in his senior season. If he can consistently play with a good base he has a chance to be good.
