Breaking Down the Frogs: The Offensive Line
8/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2003
Gary Patterson: "We're athletic but we really need to find depth and stay healthy. John Glud and Anthony Alabi did not go through spring ball due to injuries, but are coming back. Depth is a main concern along the offensive line. Redshirt freshman Herbert Taylor had a good spring. We have some young linemen coming in as well."
Six offensive lineman from the 2002 squad who combined to make 58 career starts have graduated, including first team all-conference selection Jamal Powell, who has taken his wares to the National Football League. Despite those losses, the offensive line should be more of a strength than a weakness for the Frogs this fall. The unit was limited in numbers in the spring due to some injuries, which gave more reps to some of the younger players. The Frogs are looking for nine good men who can be counted on heavily, so developing that depth along the front line will be a key this fall.
The man in the middle of the trenches is one of the league's best in junior center Chase Johnson. Johnson the ability to be an outstanding center with good feet, good strength and a certain toughness. He has shown the desire to compete and adds experience after being a regular a year ago.
Pre-season all-league tackle Anthony Alabi will be counted on once again to protect the quarterback's blind side. At 6-6 and 325 pounds, Alabi has all the physical tools to be one of the best offensive linemen in recent TCU history. The junior missed spring ball after undergoing shoulder surgery, but should be at full strength in the fall.
A pair of veterans in seniors John Glud and Jon Morgan are penciled in as the starters at left guard and right tackle respectively and are counted on to provide leadership. Glud is the biggest of the offensive linemen at 6-7, 333 pounds. Morgan slimmed down to a biscuit under 300 pounds, which helped his agility and movement. Like Alabi, Glud is coming back from shoulder surgery in the spring.
The Frogs have two other juniors who will be pushing for playing time this fall. Zach Bray, one of the strongest players on the team, was more aggressive during spring ball and is a good drive blocker. Stephen Simmons made the transition from the defensive line to the offensive side of the ball in the spring. He is still learning the position but has the physical tools necessary to succeed.
A quartet of sophomore offensive lineman who came in together in the fall of 2001 are looking to make their mark on the playing field this fall. Stephen Culp is a solid number two center who has the flexibility to play other positions as well. Shane Sims is projected as the starter at right guard. Probably the most decorated of the four linemen coming out of high school, Sims possesses great body strength. Ben Angeley is listed on the second team at left guard. Angeley also worked at tackle in the spring and is regarded as an intelligent player who makes few mistakes. Michael Toudouze is slated to back up Alabi at left tackle. He has good physical tools and has showed solid improvement, but lacks experience.
The lone offensive line recruit from the 2002 signing class is Herbert Taylor. Taylor has grown in size and strength since his arrival in Fort Worth and has impressed the coaches with his leadership abilities. He has a good chance to see the playing field this fall at right tackle.
The three incoming freshmen offensive linemen, Matty Lindner, Will Oliver and Wade Sisk are considered good athletes who can run and like to compete.
