Breaking Down Texas A&M Position Groups: Offensive Line
Part VI of a multi-part series where we preview each position group for the 2021 season. By: The Hammer
Part VI: OFFENSIVE LINE
Photo via Brianna Paciorka, Knoxville News Centennial
Through the first five parts of this series, I’ve painted a pretty rosy picture of the Aggies in 2021. Some haters will say it’s because I’m biased. And while I do bleed maroon, I think most objective observers would say the same about Texas A&M’s position groups. The defense should be great and so should the running backs. While the receivers are a bit unproven, the potential is there. But the real questions for this team lie with the last two position groups: offensive line and quarterback. Arguably the two most important units on the field.
Unfortunately, questions on the offensive line abound. Four out of five “Maroon Goons” are gone. Only allowing 7 sacks in 2020, and running the ball the way A&M did, it’s no wonder why this unit was a finalist for the Joe Moore award. Any time you lose 4/5 of your starting offensive lineman, it can be scary. The offensive line is the straw that stirs the offensive drink. If you can’t block people, you don’t score. It’s pretty simple. So where does that leave A&M in 2021?
Well, thankfully the lone returning starter is First Team All-American Kenyon Green. Kenyon is an absolute force on the line of scrimmage and I trust him to be solid as a rock at right tackle. Yes, there could be some growing pains as he transitions from guard out to tackle, but the guy is so talented I think he will be fine. Plus, no offense to A&M’s first three opponents but the defensive linemen from Kent State, Colorado and New Mexico don’t worry me. So Green, as well as the rest of the offensive line, should have three tune up games to mesh and figure out their new roles before taking on Arkansas. I’m betting Green is one of the best right tackles in the country by season’s end and will be a first round pick in the NFL Draft.
Here is where the real questions begin though. Who steps in at the other four spots, and can they produce? If I get accused of being biased on any part of this seven part series, it’s going to be here and with the quarterbacks, because I’m not that worried. A little bit worried? Yes. But surprisingly not that worried. Ordinarily, I’d be shaking in my Luccheses thinking about replacing four offensive line starters, but I believe in Jimbo, his staff, and the recruiting. Despite how good A&M’s line was in 2020, just one of the four was drafted. So the way I see it, the Maroon Goons were experienced and worked extremely well as a unit, but they didn't have a ton of top end talent, as evidenced by the draft. The group of younger guys poised to step up have that top end talent, just not the experience or cohesion.
Photo via Texags
Just like Jimbo has recruited well on the defensive line, he’s recruited well on the offensive line too. Graduate transfer Jahmir Johnson from Tennessee will step in and start at left tackle. Johnson wasn’t a world beater during his time at Rocky Top but he started a good amount of games and brings experience, which this group clearly lacks. At center, Luke Matthews (yes, another Matthews) won the job. Matthews has been plagued by injuries most of his career but he is a junior and I like having an upperclassman at such a key spot. Plus, every Matthews that has come through A&M has been great so why not another?
Layden “War Daddy” Robinson and Aki Ogunbiyi earned number one the depth chart at the guard positions. Robinson at right guard and Ogunbiyi at left guard, respectively. Robinson saw limited time last season but performed well when called upon. I expect a solid year out of Layden. Ogunbiyi on the other hand is a redshirt freshman who did not see any playing time in 2020, so he’s a wildcard. Aki was a four star, top 300 level recruit but it’s hard to step in and start on the offensive line in the SEC with no expereince. If this offensive line struggles, I think it’ll be more on the left side. We may see some guys rotate in at the left guard positions as well. If that’s the case, look for Derrick Hunter or Bryce Foster to see the field. Finding out what group plays the best together will be key.
To wrap up, I don’t expect the offensive line to be as good as they were a year ago. Despite the talent, it would be foolish to expect another Joe Moore Award finalist caliber offensive line. However, I don’t see this group costing A&M games. I just think there is too much talent and good coaching at A&M right now to let that happen. There will be some drop off but not to the point where the Aggies can’t run the ball or won’t have time to throw. I think we are looking at a middle of the pack to upper tier, if they reach their full potential, SEC offensive line this year. And I’m okay with that. I know with our defense and skill positions, we can win with that level of offensive line play.
In part VII of this series, we will look at the quarterbacks…finally. Stay tuned.
#BTHOKENTSTATE
