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Another "Ranking" by an expert. O-Line

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Another "Ranking" by an expert. O-Line

Here's a link to O-Line predictions throughout the college world..

Orlando Sentinel

Ranking the O-line

We continue our position-by-position rankings at the state schools by looking at the offensive lines. The rankings will take a break next week, and they'll resume Aug. 7 with a look at defensive lines.

One thing to keep in mind: This ranking incorporates talent level and how comfortable coaches should be entering the season with these guys.

1. Miami: Star LT Eric Winston missed last season with a knee injury, and his return is huge – figuratively and literally (he's 6 feet 7 and 315 pounds). The only real question is at center, where junior Anthony Wollschlager takes over.

2. Florida: Three starters return, headed by senior C Mike Degory (Palm Bay). A big key is how well LT Lance Butler plays after moving from guard. Both guards are new starters: senior Tavares Washington (he moved from tackle after spring ball) and redshirt freshman Jim Tartt.

3. Florida State: Two starters return, and the health of solid senior C David Castillo always is an issue. RG Matt Meinrod missed last season with an injury, and LT Cory Niblock is moving from guard. No reserve has seen much time. This is not a vintage Seminoles line.

4. UCF: The good news is that five starters return (though some will be at new positions). The bad news is the Knights had one of the worst offenses in the nation last season, when UCF quarterbacks were sacked 50 times. There are no senior starters, so this group could be really good next season.

5. USF: The Bulls return two starters from what had been a solid line, senior Gs Frank Davis and Chris Carothers. Depth looks iffy.

6. FIU: The Golden Panthers have all five starters back, and four are seniors. FIU allowed nine sacks last season, but this season's schedule is much tougher. C Victor Cernius is the standout.

7. FAU: The Owls are rebuilding, and the line is no exception. Two starters return.


BEST IN THE NATION: California. The Golden Bears return four starters, with C Marvin Philip and T Ryan O'Callaghan the standouts. Both have All-American potential.


ACC: Virginia. The Cavs lost All-American G Elton Brown, but LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson is just as good. Sophomore C Ian-Yates Cunningham missed last season with an injury and needs to play well. The Cavs have the best freshman lineman in the nation in Eugene Monroe, and he likely will play.

BIG EAST: Louisville. The Cards have four starters back, with LT Travis Leffew the best of the bunch. This is a large group, averaging 6 feet 5 and 321 pounds. C Jason Spitz (Jacksonville Bolles) is moving from guard and is one of three senior starters; the other two starters are juniors.


CONFERENCE USA: Tulane. The Green Wave return three starters, including the Traina brothers, C Joe and G Matt, who used to block for Frank Gore at Coral Gables High.


SEC: LSU. Four starters are back, with LT Andrew Whitworth a potential All-American.


SUN BELT: Louisiana-Lafayette. The Ragin' Cajuns return four starters on the line, headed by LT Brandon Cox. Too bad the backs behind these guys haven't shown much.


BEST LINES IN OTHER LEAGUES: Michigan in the Big Ten; Texas in the Big 12; Northern Illinois in the Mid-American; New Mexico in the Mountain West; California in the Pac-10; and Fresno State in the Western Athletic.


BEST LEAGUE OVERALL: The SEC. There are both good overall team units and good individual talent. You could come up with a legit All-American team just using SEC linemen: Ts Andrew Whitworth (LSU) and Marcus McNeill (Auburn), Gs Max Jean-Gilles (Georgia) and Cody Douglas (Tennessee) and C Mike Degory (Florida). All but Douglas are among the top five players in the nation at their position, and Douglas is a top-10 guy.

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Another "Ranking" by an expert. O-Line

So I guess that New Mexico also had a good line last year?
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