Hard to replace an All-American like O’Cyrus. If I’m not mistaken our only All-American at the OG position. But it’s possible this year’s line plays with more cohesion and becomes a team strength.
A line is only as strong as its weakest link. The more time they have together the better they should get the best offense of lines are not just two or three talented guys.
I recall some Gator OG's who were All Amer. Burton Lawless, 1970s Gator, who played many years for Cowboys. Guy Dennis in the 60s likely was. Not sure about Frank Lasky or Crawford Ker as All Americans.
If Micah can come back from his injury at 100 percent for Fall, we may not see a significant drop off at Guard. Micah was the second highest graded OG in Big 12 for Baylor last year. Even if Ethan White had stayed at UF rather than transferring to USC in portal, it sounds like he has a potential career threatening injury they will prevent him from playing at USC this year. Would likely have not been available to us had he stayed. Only challenge with chemistry is the lost time to injury by two of our projected starters on the OL. Anyone with an update on Waites status? Braun transfer to Arkansas hurt depth but don’t think our new OL coaches liked his game. Hopefully other OL transfers from Bama, Kentucky, or even Hudson from FIU can contribute.
Guy Dennis. Now that brings back memories. I had some sort of first aid course in 1966 or 67 and he and George Dean were in it. Good person. Our teacher was P.A. Lee and classes in the old gym, (Alligator Alley). Just remembered, Jackie Eckdahl was in that class too.
The Baylor transfer i believe was graded out 2nd best guard in the big 12 and 42nd nation wide and #1 run blocker and 15th nationally as a redshirt sophomore. "2022 (Redshirt Sophomore) Played in 11 games with 10 starts … Graded out as the second-best guard in the Big 12 according to Pro Football Focus and the 42nd best guard in the nation … Had a 74.9 overall grade from PFF, including a 66.9 mark in pass blocking and a 78.5 mark in run blocking … His run-blocking grade was the best in the conference and 15th-best in the nation … Started the first nine games of the year at right guard … Came off the bench for the second half vs. No. 4 TCU … Did not see action in the final two games of the year." If we were to replace him with anybody that's a good start.
I remember P.A. Lee taking on all comers at the handball courts,..at what seemed like 75-80 yrs old,..he was amazing at nailing it low on the wall!
CBN is building a heck of an OL. I think we'll have 8 or 9 guys ready to play this year. Micah needs to come back healthy, and the rest of the guys ready to play need to stay relatively healthy, then the OL will be good to very good this season. Can't afford multiple injuries, though. By 2024, I think CBN will have a complete 2-deep ready to play on the OL. That'll lead to consistent sustained success.
