OHT has been looking at the different position groups on the offensive side of the ball and now we look at the 2019 offensive linemen.
The 2019 edition of Ole Miss football begins August 31 and since we are getting closer, OHT is taking a look at the different position groups. We began with tight ends and then looked at the running backs. We also took a look at the new NWO. Now, we take a look at the big guys up front for the Rebels.
This is another position group which took a hit due to graduation and the NFL draft. However, there are offensive linemen who are returning who will likely see the field as starters in the Rich Rod offense. In the fast paced spread there are also linemen who will see a lot of playing time.
The O-Line
Ole Miss Rebels
The offensive line lost three starters from 2018 in center Sean Rawlings and tackles Greg Little and Javon Patterson, but we watched a number of players who stepped up during the spring. While we may see the depth chart within this position group change before the season opener at Memphis, we do have a good idea of who will be in the starting mix.
At center we can expect to see junior Eli Johnson. At 6’1 and 298lbs Johnson has experience at the position and should be in the mix for starter. At the guard positions we know we will see sophomore Ben Brown on the right side along with junior Bryce Mathews on the left side. Brown is listed at 6’5 and 315lbs while Mathews is listed at 6’6 and 302lbs.
Junior Royce Newman will likely be the starter at left tackle with senior Alex Givens drawing the starting spot on the right side. Newman is listed at 6’5 and 300lbs while Givens is listed at 6’6 and 303lbs.
Other offensive linemen who could see significant action in 2019 are seniors Michael Howard and KC Swaim. Howard is listed at 6’4 and 268lbs while Swaim is listed at 6’5 and 291lbs. Also available is junior Chandler Tuitt and sophomores Samuel Plash and Peyton Cox. Tuitt is listed at 6’4 and 325lbs. Plash is listed at 6’3 and 292lbs while Cox is listed at 5’11 and 317lbs.
Also available for the O-line are redshirt freshmen Jalen Cunningham, Nic Cantu and Hamilton Hall. Cunningham is listed at 6’4 and 369lbs. Cantu is listed at 6’4 and 289lbs while Hall is listed at 6’5 and 315lbs. It will be interesting to see the offensive line in the new Rich Rod offense.
Please be sure to check back here for the look at the Rebels by position groups as we head into the 2019 season. Also please be sure to visit and like the OHT Facebook page and please follow us on Twitter for the latest Ole Miss football news and updates. Hotty Toddy!