POSITION BREAKDOWN:
Offensive Line
8/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2007
Aug. 4, 2007
OVERVIEW:TCU returns three starters on the offensive line from a unit that allowed just 15 sacks a year ago, tied for the sixth-lowest mark nationally. The Frogs also ranked ninth in the country in rushing yards per game (194.6). Matty Lindner (6-4, 298, Sr.), a second-team All-MWC selection in 2006, is at left guard. The Outland Trophy candidate did not take part in spring drills as he recovered from an injury sustained in the Poinsettia Bowl. The senior from Comfort, Texas, is expected to be at full strength for preseason camp in August. Lindner allowed just one sack last year. Blake Schlueter (6-3, 272, Jr.), the returning starter at center, is on the Rimington Award Watch List. He was particularly impressive in the second half of last season, playing as well as anyone on the line. Schlueter was honorable-mention All-MWC as he led TCU in knockdown blocks. Veteran Tony Savino (6-2, 277, Sr.) will compete with Jake Kirkpatrick (6-5, 273, RFr.) for playing time behind Schlueter. Kirkpatrick (Tyler, Texas) was a redshirt last season. Wade Sisk (6-7, 271, Sr.), who started all 13 games at right tackle last year, will move to left tackle after the graduation of four-year starter and two-time first-team All-MWC performer Herb Taylor. Providing depth behind Sisk will be promising Nic Richmond (6-8, 298, So.), who gained valuable experience in a back-up role to Taylor last year, and converted center Tyler Marrou (6-5, 268, So.). Replacing Sisk at right tackle will be Marshall Newhouse (6-3, 317, So.). A native of Dallas, Newhouse was the only true freshman to play on offense for TCU last season. Giles Montgomery (6-5, 295, Jr.) came out of spring drills as the starter at right guard. Behind him is Heath Raetz (6-5, 315, Jr.), who missed last season due to injury.
WHAT COACH PATTERSON IS SAYING:
"We feel like we're in better shape than a year ago. The unknowns are Heath Raetz and Matty Lindner coming off injuries. We are really fortunate to have 14 of our 16 linemen returning. With guys like Blake Schlueter, Marshall Newhouse and about 10 others, you know what you are going to get. They have been in the wars and played quite a bit."
WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
"TCU has a salty group of guys up front, and this year should be no different." - The Sporting News
BY THE NUMBERS:
0 - Career starts by Giles Montgomery before being in the starting lineup for the 2005 Houston Bowl win over Iowa State
2 - Number of TCU offensive linemen who appear on watch lists for postseason awards
3 - Returning starters on the offensive line (all three started all 13 games in 2006)
13 - Blocked kicks recorded by Blake Schlueter during his prep career at Ganado High School
15 - Sacks allowed by the Frogs last season, tying for the sixth-lowest mark nationally
