O-Line Depth

[wesfau2]

Looks like Hand is about ready to put Prince TW at left tackle:

http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/08/prince_tega_wanogho_jrs_rise_a.html#incart_river_index

My gut screams, "Fuck no!"  Absent an injury crisis of monumental proportions, I prefer to start some experience at LT.  That said, if what Hand says about the kid's preparation, execution and attitude are true (and I have no reason to think he's lying) then I say playing under the lights last year gives him enough experience to roll with it. 

Buttressing his "experience" is his action in practice against Davidson/Holland/Williams/et al.  That's better competition than most of our opponents will throw at him.

Moving PTW up to 1st team also creates some really nice opportunities along the line, like getting Smith back to RG. 

[jmar]

I like Smith better at guard myself.

[WiregrassTiger]

I think Wes just wanted to say buttressing.

As a matter of fact, he may be too tall. Esp if White happens to be slinging it. (Which we all agree, would only be in an injury or mop up-- except GF)

I was hopeful we'd see him on D. He's got speed. But those long arms may make him a lot of money one day.

[Snaggletiger]

The thing is, we've definitely got some options all across the line.  Golson has played just about everything and with Dunn coming in from J-State, that really opens it up.  You've got Darius James, who got a ton of PT last year and big ole Wilson Bell who started a butt-load of games at FSU.  BTW and speaking of Jax-State, I saw where they haven't lost a conference game in their last 24.  3 straight OVC titles.  Not making excuses and we should always handle an FCS team better.  But that team was pretty damn talented.

[wesfau2]

The thing is, we've definitely got some options all across the line.  Golson has played just about everything and with Dunn coming in from J-State, that really opens it up.  You've got Darius James, who got a ton of PT last year and big ole Wilson Bell who started a butt-load of games at FSU.  BTW and speaking of Jax-State, I saw where they haven't lost a conference game in their last 24.  3 straight OVC titles.  Not making excuses and we should always handle an FCS team better.  But that team was pretty damn talented.

With their collection of ex-SEC players, JaxSt is not your typical FCS team.

Thinking more on the LT spot, I think it's less important to us than it would be in another (read: NFL, pro-style) offense.  There is no "blind spot" to protect during the drop-back since there is no drop-back.  The QB, starting the play from the shotgun, should see the rushing end and distribute the ball accordingly.

I'm probably just trying to convince myself, but I like the options this gives across the line enough to endorse PTW at LT based on Hand's remarks.

[Godfather]

I think Prince TW is going to be a special player for us.

[wesfau2]

I think Prince TW is going to be a special player for us.

I hope so.  He's getting lots of praise from the staff and his teammates.

I especially like hearing about his "aggression."

[Godfather]

I hope so.  He's getting lots of praise from the staff and his teammates.

I especially like hearing about his "aggression."

It ain't no Purple Rain, but I think we will be celebrating his entire catalog soon.