Spring Practice Preview -- Offensive Line
March 23, 2010
Corvallis, Ore. -
Beaver offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh is fortunate to have an experienced group ready to tackle a difficult 2010 schedule. It’s a group that has the luxury of blocking for Heisman Trophy candidate Jacquizz Rodgers, but also a group that has the responsibility of protecting for a rather inexperienced first-year starting quarterback.
Four starters return to the crew, although left guard junior Grant Johnson will be sidelined during spring while rehabilitating from offseason shoulder surgery. Overall, the returning cast combines for 74 starts and 19 overall letters earned.
Senior Alex Linnenkohl is the veteran with 26 starts after inheriting the job from current Indianapolis Colts guard Kyle DeVan. The 6-2, 303-pound Olympia, Wash., native has earned Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention the last two seasons and is on track to earn even bigger honors this fall. Linnenkohl is a proven player, so watch for freshmen-redshirts Josh Andrews and Aaron Magnuson to receive numerous repetitions this spring to develop depth.
With Johnson on the shelf, senior Ryan Pohl will take the first turns at left guard. Pohl has actually started two games during his career at left tackle and has also some experience at center. The coaching staff is also confident in the ability of junior Michael Lamb and redshirt-freshman Tyler Thomas. Sophomore Rory Ross will miss spring with an injury.
Sophomore left tackle Michael Philipp is coming off Freshman All-America honors season and will be on numerous postseason awards lists this fall. If early indications mean anything, the 6-3, 307-pound Philipp could be the best ever to play the position at OSU. A couple of wildcards are second on the depth chart in seniors Timi Oshinowo and Wilder McAndrews. Both Oshinowo and McAndrews have been the victims of injuries, but if healthy this season they provide experience to possibly move around on the line. Oshinowo was slated to start at the position a year ago, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring game, while McAndrews has battled a wrist problem for an extended period.
At right tackle junior Mike Remmers returns with sophomore Geoff Garner and redshirt-freshman Grant Enger listed at reserves. Remmers has quietly started 20 games and Garner played considerably last season.
Right guard is the lone spot on the line with a new first stringer, as 28-game starter Gregg Peat has graduated. There will be open competition for the starting role between junior Burke Ellis, and sophomores Colin Kelly and Colin Lyons.
With the exception of that right guard position, the offensive line is experienced which should make the maturation process of the new quarterbacks a bit easier. The depth and talent of the line is also a credit to Coach Cavanaugh and head coach Mike Riley who have recently sent linemen Adam Koets (Giants), Roy Schuening (Lions), Andy Levitre (Bills) and DeVan to the NFL.
The quest for success in 2010 begins Mon., March 29 with the first day of spring practice. Practices are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
Check back daily for more position previews and once practice starts for recaps and interviews on Beaver Nation Online, the official audio/video source for Beaver Athletics.
Spring Practice Schedule – March 29, 31; April 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, May 1 (Spring Game).
Depth Chart (as of March 22)
LEFT TACKLE
77 * Michael Philipp So. 6-3 307 San Bernardino, Calif.
72 * Timi Oshinowo Sr. 6-6 288 Naperville, Ill.
68 * Wilder McAndrews Sr. 6-4 282 Honolulu, Hawai’i
LEFT GUARD
70 ** Grant Johnson (injured) Jr. 6-3 280 Baker City, Ore.
63 *** Ryan Pohl Sr. 6-3 284 Waipahu, Hawai’i
61 * Michael Lamb Jr. 6-3 282 Portland, Ore.
56 Tyler Thomas Fr-RS 6-2 301 Kalispell, Mont.
67 Rory Ross (injured) So. 6-3 278 Phoenix, Ariz.
CENTER
60 *** Alex Linnenkohl Sr. 6-2 303 Olympia, Wash.
69 Josh Andrews Fr-RS 6-2 278 Fontana, Calif.
79 Aaron Magnuson Fr-RS 6-3 308 Albany, Ore.
RIGHT GUARD
74 ** Burke Ellis Jr. 6-4 280 Canby, Ore.
64 * Colin Kelly So. 6-4 285 Kelso, Wash.
53 Colin Lyons So. 6-3 275 Carmichael, Calif.
RIGHT TACKLE
50 ** Mike Remmers Jr. 6-4 305 West Linn, Ore.
62 * Geoff Garner So. 6-5 301 Mesa, Ariz.
71 Grant Enger Fr-RS 6-5 256 Bothell, Wash.
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