July 28, 2017
The Commodore offensive line corps returns three starters, six letterwinners and several talented newcomers looking to break into the five-man interior rotation.
Second-year assistant coach Cameron Norcross will be looking for leaders to step forward in a position group that includes zero seniors. The group must fill vacancies at center and left tackle after the graduation of Barrett Gouger and current Arizona Cardinal Will Holden.
Norcross wants to build off the successes his unit enjoyed in 2016. The line was pivotal to Ralph Webb smashing the team’s single-season rushing record and the Commodores ranking among the NCAA leaders at producing points inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Junior Justin Skule is the team’s top returning tackle. After seeing limited action as a true freshman, Skule developed into a dependable performer in 2016. He brings the ability to play either right or left tackle.
Besides Skule, redshirt junior Bailey Granier is the team’s most experienced tackle. He was a four-game starter in 2015 and has the versatility to play outside at tackle or inside at guard.
Arguably the most improved Commodore offensive player in spring drills was redshirt freshman Devin Cochran. The lengthy Cochran exited spring ball among the team’s top five linemen and could compete for a substantial role at tackle.
At guard, the Commodores enter the year with both starters back: redshirt junior Bruno Reagan at right guard and redshirt sophomore Ean Pfeifer at left guard. Both bring a nasty streak to the Commodores’ improved rushing attack.
Redshirt junior Egidio DellaRipa and redshirt sophomore Jared Southers are versatile prospects will look to earn a chance to earn significant roles at either guard or tackles. Redshirt sophomore Darion DeBrossard, redshirt freshman Braden Kopp and redshirt freshman David Floyd will need to impress in preseason camp to ensure more playing time.
Sophomore Saige Young, a big-body guard who transferred into the program this summer and is eligible to participate this fall, could be an interesting player to watch during preseason camp.
Redshirt freshman Sean Auwae-McMoore is expected to be among the candidates to replace Gouger at center. Auwae-McMoore took the majority of snaps during spring drills. Pfeifer and Reagan also could see preseason repetitions.
The Commodores also signed four new offensive line prospects: Bryce Bailey, Cole Clemens, Grant Miller and Jonathan Stewart.
