Chin Diesel
Power of Love
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From several of the reports, this is what they're pivoting off of for the Offensive Line:
LT Richard Levy (6-6, 305), LG Gus Cruz (6-4, 296), C Alex Mateas (6-4, 309), RG Tyler Samra (6-2, 288) and RT Andreas Knappe (6-8, 300).
The obvious spot to look at is RT. Kevin Friend was there this year, but it appears as if the staff is really intrigued by Knappe.
A couple of thoughts on it.
First, from a strictly developmental point of view, it's more important for Knappe to get reps than it is for Friend. Friend has plenty of experience and is probably close to max'ing out his potential. Plus, if Knappe fails, Friend can come right in and play.
Also, as I mentioned in another thread, Diaco has mentioned several times that he needs able bodies all along the line. Good thing with starting Knappe and getting him up to speed is that Friend can play any of the spots along the line besides center. Using him as a utility linemen means only switching one player should one of the starters get injured.
As for Knappe, it's obvious the staff likes him. A lot. He's now on his third year in the program and has had plenty of time to start putting his bits and pieces together. He can be a beast at RT. Plus, his body doesn't have the wear and tear that most linemen his age have. He's fresh relatively speaking.
Mateas at C was a given and it seemed obvious coming out of spring that Levy was the LT. Getting Cruz back was big, but he has one of those chronic ailments that can rear its head at inopportune times (another reason to have Friend ready in relief).
RG is the only position I can see a where the back up may flip the script based off of play in practice.
Above all else, making a decision and getting the five starters reps together as a unit is imperative.
LT Richard Levy (6-6, 305), LG Gus Cruz (6-4, 296), C Alex Mateas (6-4, 309), RG Tyler Samra (6-2, 288) and RT Andreas Knappe (6-8, 300).
The obvious spot to look at is RT. Kevin Friend was there this year, but it appears as if the staff is really intrigued by Knappe.
A couple of thoughts on it.
First, from a strictly developmental point of view, it's more important for Knappe to get reps than it is for Friend. Friend has plenty of experience and is probably close to max'ing out his potential. Plus, if Knappe fails, Friend can come right in and play.
Also, as I mentioned in another thread, Diaco has mentioned several times that he needs able bodies all along the line. Good thing with starting Knappe and getting him up to speed is that Friend can play any of the spots along the line besides center. Using him as a utility linemen means only switching one player should one of the starters get injured.
As for Knappe, it's obvious the staff likes him. A lot. He's now on his third year in the program and has had plenty of time to start putting his bits and pieces together. He can be a beast at RT. Plus, his body doesn't have the wear and tear that most linemen his age have. He's fresh relatively speaking.
Mateas at C was a given and it seemed obvious coming out of spring that Levy was the LT. Getting Cruz back was big, but he has one of those chronic ailments that can rear its head at inopportune times (another reason to have Friend ready in relief).
RG is the only position I can see a where the back up may flip the script based off of play in practice.
Above all else, making a decision and getting the five starters reps together as a unit is imperative.
