Every True Son will take a position-by-position look at the Tigers headed into this season. Today, "Delving the Depth Chart" takes a look at the offensive line.
It's hard to figure out what to make for the Tiger offensive line in 2007. It's an extremely athletic group well suited to the wide splits and pass blocking of Pinkel's Spread offense. But for Tiger fans frustrated by Mizzou's inability to punch the ball in the endzone inside the 5-yard line, look no further than this group.
The line may collectively be one of the top pass blocking units in the Big 12, but they lack the pure strength and "pancake" ability to allow Mizzou to line Daniel up under center and feature a singleback or I-form style set. It's highly unlikely the Tigers find the ability to "pound the rock" when necessary - most of the Tigers' success on the ground will be on options, misdirections, draws and zone reads from shotgun, where his athletic line can keep opposing D-lines off-balance.
The group will miss right tackle Joel Clinger, but there is a surprising amount of depth on the unit. As it stands, here's how things likely look from left tackle to right:
Tyler Luellen
Ryan Madison
Adam Spieker
Kurtis Gregory
Dain Wise
Behind those five, there are several capable backups, including Monte Wyrick, James Stigall and Colin Brown.
It's safe to consider the line "specialized" or even a "niche line," but the squad's depth and profiency at containing the pass rush should play a large role in launching the Tigers' air attack this season.
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