Highest Graded Offensive Lineman from 1st round of CFP.

[GregInPitt]

Yeah, I read somewhere that Dawkins has another year, and, yes, he has been playing well. Noticed him vs Oregon and he did a real nice job on that monster in the middle, Caldwell. Nice options to have with a full house OL; just hope we don't loose anyone that has be waiting for a spot.

Will be interesting to see how the Ol roster shakes out. Would be hard to believe that PSU doesn't lose a player or two that is looking for more immediate playing time, such as Williams or Birchmeier, both redshirt sophs next season and not likely to get much playing time as things look now. Also, the staff seems to be looking for an experienced interior olinemen from the portal.

With 8 true and redshirt scholarship olinemen on the roster (don't know how many of the true freshmen are enrolling early), it will be interesting to see how they develop this Spring.

 

[SUPERTODD]

Will be interesting to see how the Ol roster shakes out. Would be hard to believe that PSU doesn't lose a player or two that is looking for more immediate playing time, such as Williams or Birchmeier, both redshirt sophs next season and not likely to get much playing time as things look now. Also, the staff seems to be looking for an experienced interior olinemen from the portal.

With 8 true and redshirt scholarship olinemen on the roster (don't know how many of the true freshmen are enrolling early), it will be interesting to see how they develop this Spring.

Should look like:

Shelton - Cousins- Dawkins (Rulli)- Vega Ioane - Donkoh (Rucci)


Subs: J’Ven Williams, Birchmeier, Sexton, Boyer, Harbour


Lose: Nelson, Wormley

I like Cousins replacing Wormley. Potential upgrade. Then we need to find a backup LT and back up LG. Given the talent Trautwein has brought in the last few years we should have our strongest OL in years next season. And none of the recruits we brought in have to play which is good for the long-term outlook.

 

[GregInPitt]

Should look like:

Shelton - Cousins- Dawkins (Rulli)- Vega Ioane - Donkoh (Rucci)


Subs: J’Ven Williams, Birchmeier, Sexton, Boyer, Harbour


Lose: Nelson, Wormley

I like Cousins replacing Wormley. Potential upgrade. Then we need to find a backup LT and back up LG. Given the talent Trautwein has brought in the last few years we should have our strongest OL in years next season. And none of the recruits we brought in have to play which is good for the long-term outlook.

I'm under the impression that Loane will keep his left guard spot and Cousins will go to right guard replacing Wormley.
Shelton - Loane -Dawkins - Cousins - Donkoh/Rucci

Wormley has been pretty solid. Cousins has loads of potential. But with Wormley being a 3 year starter it's hard to replace all the experience immediately.

If JB Nelson returns he's likely to top backup at Guard. The ruling about JC years not counting for eligibility seems to give him the option to return.

Hard to predict how the backups will shake out other than with Rucci at right OT if Donkoh continues to win that battle and Rulli possibly. But Cousins may actually move to Center if Dawkins were to get injured and the next best Guard taking over for Cousins.

And from some comments I've heard I look for Onoh to end up as a key reserve. Possibly the 3rd Guard if he stays inside and isn't competing at OT.

I also have a feeling that Birchmeier portals out as he's going into his 3rd year and seems to have no path to significant playing time, and may not be able to hold off the younger inside players for a backup role. After being a high 4 star recruit. We'll see....

 

[Marylovesthelions]

Wow, how awesome for him. The transfer really worked out well on so many levels for him. And a real tribute to Trautwein for recruiting Rucci and getting him up to speed so quickly.

True, and a wake up call for everyone here who gives Hagene a pass for not improving his WRs.
This kid did not start at Wisconsin. Congratulations to Rucci.

 

[PSU20]

Will be interesting to see how the Ol roster shakes out. Would be hard to believe that PSU doesn't lose a player or two that is looking for more immediate playing time, such as Williams or Birchmeier, both redshirt sophs next season and not likely to get much playing time as things look now. Also, the staff seems to be looking for an experienced interior olinemen from the portal.

With 8 true and redshirt scholarship olinemen on the roster (don't know how many of the true freshmen are enrolling early), it will be interesting to see how they develop this Spring.

Was thinking that may be next spring Williams would beat out Shelton the LT spot, even though Shelton has a ton of playing time. Shelton just looks a bit weak physically and gets pushed around by stout DE's. Hate to loose Williams since our projected OL could be a one year fix.

We will find out in the spring.

 

[maxoscar]

I'm under the impression that Loane will keep his left guard spot and Cousins will go to right guard replacing Wormley.
Shelton - Loane -Dawkins - Cousins - Donkoh/Rucci

Wormley has been pretty solid. Cousins has loads of potential. But with Wormley being a 3 year starter it's hard to replace all the experience immediately.

If JB Nelson returns he's likely to top backup at Guard. The ruling about JC years not counting for eligibility seems to give him the option to return.

Hard to predict how the backups will shake out other than with Rucci at right OT if Donkoh continues to win that battle and Rulli possibly. But Cousins may actually moved to Center if Dawkins were to get injured and the next best Guard taking over for Cousins.

And from some comments I've heard I look for Onoh to end up as a key reserve. Possibly the 3rd Guard if he stays inside and isn't competing at OT.

I also have a feeling that Birchmeier portals out as he's going into his 3rd year and seems to have no path to significant playing time, and may not be able to hold off the younger inside players for a backup role. After being a high 4 star recruit. We'll see....

Birchmeier when he committed was rated as the number 3 Interior Offensive lineman in the country by 247 Sports. And as you state he seems a candidate to portal out as he is not even in the upper tier of reserves at this point.