There’s no question that the offensive line has been a hindrance at times for Hugh Freeze’s offense during his tenure as head coach at Ole Miss.
Offensive line coach Matt Luke has been the recipient of much that criticism, fair or unfair, due those struggles. Let’s take quick look at a few things.
In Freeze’s first season, he and Luke patched together a more serviceable unit than most expected. Everyone recalls the scraped together bowl team OL with Emmanuel McCray as their left tackle. The injury bug reared its head at the most inopportune times, too. Compound the fact, the Laremy Tunsil suspension, just last fall, held included the losses to Florida and Memphis during the seven game suspension.
With those notes in mind, we should also take a look at the not-so-positive side. The run game has shown flashes, but little consistency in Freeze’s tenure. The offensive line, without Tunsil, was disastrous in the 2013 Egg Bowl and really for the latter part of that season. Prior to Tunsil’s return this past fall, the struggles were clear, as well. Really, when Tunsil has not been on the field in last three seasons, blocking has been an issue for Ole Miss.
Now, Tunsil is gone; set to be a top-5 pick and maybe even the top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Seniors Justin Bell, Aaron Morris and Ben Still, also depart. Each of those guys were experienced, reliable and team-first players.
Chad Kelly returning should be enough to keep people talking about the Rebels’ chances in the SEC and beyond for the large part of the not-so-offseason. But, it appears that group tasked with protecting him, now four years into Freeze’s journey, is finally starting to take shape.
Lets break down why, in my opinion, the group could be on the cusp of becoming a strength, rather than a liability.
There is no question that Luke and Freeze covet guys that are versatile. The number of guys who can play multiple positions along the line has grown, thanks to the last three recruiting classes.
Look no further than Robert Conyers, who will be a senior next season. Conyers projects to be the starting center, but he could also contribute at tackle. The same could be said for sophomore Sean Rawlings. The MS native played right tackle in Tunsil’s absence last season and he likely sticks there, but could also help at center if needed.
In the spring, junior Rod Taylor is expected to play tackle, moving over from his usual guard spot. Even sophomore Javon Patterson has proven that he can man either guard spot or center, if need be.
Athleticism is key for any offensive lineman in the SEC, but especially in the spread offense that Ole Miss runs. Luke and Freeze have made sure to add plenty of that in previous recruiting classes.
Taylor provides just that whether he lines up on the edge at tackle or inside at guard. Rawlings and Conyers bring the same, at center or tackle, as well. Patterson has shown he can be more than a steady component at guard as he moves extremely well, with fine-tuned technique.
Alex Givens, while redshirted last season, the freshman from Nashville could bring basketball-esque athleticism to the gridiron next season and beyond. After all, didn’t Freeze say he wanted to play basketball on grass when he arrived in Oxford?
Then there is perhaps the most crucial factor in all of this equation, quality depth. Sure, the roster on returns only six offensive lineman with significant experience. However, the Rebels do hold commitments from five highly-touted offensive line recruits that are expected to sign this Wednesday on National Signing Day.
A sixth, Oxford product Eli Johnson, is already enrolled in classes. One of those commits is Greg Little, the nations consensus top-rated offensive line recruit, according to Scout.com. Little is expected to compete for the left tackle spot left vacant by Tunsil.
The future of the position appears to be solid, too. Each of the aforementioned signees possesses the qualities that have been discussed. Redshirt freshman Michael Howard should continue to add weight to his impressive frame. In doing so, he could be a big time contributor in near future. Also, not to be forgotten is redshirt sophomore Tyler Putman, who has battled injuries throughout his career. He was a coveted recruit from Desoto Central in the 2014 class.
Not only did Freeze and Luke inherit a near-bare cupboard of offensive line talent when they arrived at Ole Miss, they also took over a group that was built for a different style of offense. Fast forward four years and things appear to be repaired.
With Little inking with Ole Miss on NSD, that makes for the second time in four years that the top-rated offensive line recruit has chosen the Rebels. Not to mention, Taylor and Patterson were both ranked as 5-star guards, per Scout.com. Even beyond the highly-ranked players, the evaluations on guys such as Conyers, Rawlings and sophomore Jordan Sims have been impressive.
The key to developing a consistent running game and protecting Kelly and even newly-signed Shea Patterson starts with offensive line play. Sure, it has been spotty at best the last few seasons, but it seems to be turning a corner. Thanks for that goes to Hugh Freeze and Matt Luke.