Grading the OLine Recruits This Weekend

MNBamaFan

1st Team
Jan 3, 2007
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What did ya'll think of our Oline recruits this weekend? I was very impressed.

If I were grading them, I'd give:

- Barrett Jones: A
- JM Boswell: A-
- T Love: B+

Barrett Jones had a great game. His first offensive series was almost perfect. Yeah, he had some low snaps in the shotgun later in the game but the kid never played center before in his career. Very impressive.

JM Boswell was very effective vs. Omar Hunter. Omar beat him on one play but overall, Boswell held his own against one of the top ranked DT.

Tyler had the toughest assignment of the weekend going against Bowers. Bowers beat him on 3 or 4 downs but they were mostly in pass rush situations where Bowers just blew upfield without regard to playing the run. I thought Tyler held his own.

Bama has a great Oline group coming in. Too bad McClain doesn't won't be part of it but that's a different topic.
 

REBELZED

All-American
Dec 6, 2006
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Too bad McClain doesn't won't be part of it but that's a different topic.
I thought that boiled down to us not really having room for him?

I hope our OL recruits pan out. I long for the days of a Bama team dominating the LOS.
 

BigEasyTider

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Nov 27, 2007
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Love was the most impressive of the group, to me anyway. He has great size and he is fundamentally sound. I loved his bend and his ability to move laterally, so I can see why is so highly touted.

I think he has a great shot of coming in next year and starting at right tackle early on. He probably does not have the raw talent or upside that Andre Smith had coming in (seriously, though, who does?), but by the same token it is also a bit easier to play right tackle and he is certainly not battling all of the weight problems like Andre was as a true freshman. Unless we really get the right tackle spot solidified in the Spring, I think Love has a good chance of starting, even though he is a true freshman.

Barrett Jones was impressive in his own right, but he is going to be a long-term contributor. I liked his athleticism and agility for his size, but he was playing center, and that spot doesn't seem likely to come open at the moment.

The one who really surprised me was Boswell. I wasn't particularly sold on this kid, but he ended up looking good. He has great size, and he's pretty athletic in his own right. He was better than I expected, and that's a good sign of the future. I really do not know where he fits in at the moment -- he said Pendry wants him to start out at right tackle, but I would think Love would be ahead of him there -- but it is very nice to have this type of kid around. We haven't had the comfort of having offensive linemen this talented on depth the depth chart in ages.
 

tide06

Scout Team
Sep 30, 2007
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A couple people that I've talked to who know more about OL play than I do who watched McClain this weekend were less than impressed.

I sure would've liked to give him a chance in Tuscaloosa but I guess time will tell the story on this kid.
 

BEATtutorsee

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Mar 14, 2006
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What did ya'll think of our Oline recruits this weekend? I was very impressed.

If I were grading them, I'd give:

- Barrett Jones: A
- JM Boswell: A-
- T Love: B+

Barrett Jones had a great game. His first offensive series was almost perfect. Yeah, he had some low snaps in the shotgun later in the game but the kid never played center before in his career. Very impressive.

JM Boswell was very effective vs. Omar Hunter. Omar beat him on one play but overall, Boswell held his own against one of the top ranked DT.

Tyler had the toughest assignment of the weekend going against Bowers. Bowers beat him on 3 or 4 downs but they were mostly in pass rush situations where Bowers just blew upfield without regard to playing the run. I thought Tyler held his own.

Bama has a great Oline group coming in. Too bad McClain doesn't won't be part of it but that's a different topic.
You've summed up pretty much how I felt as well. I thought Jones looked outstanding! He won't be playing center for us but it's nice to know we have someone who's versatile enough that can if we get in a pinch. Boswell more than held his own going up against some stiff competition. Love had the toughest day but nobody at the high school level is going to look good going against DeQuan Bowers every play. I only wish Bowers was one of our commitments! Anyway, I think all three have a bright future in front of them at the Capstone and I can't wait to get them on campus! :BigA:
 

tide06

Scout Team
Sep 30, 2007
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I started off thinking that both Love and Jones would redshirt but I have to think that both have a shot to contribute depending on injuries and if they push themselves prior to arriving on campus in the weight room.

Man I can't wait to have a dominant OL again...
 

MNBamaFan

1st Team
Jan 3, 2007
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Minnesota
I thought that boiled down to us not really having room for him?
In case you haven't heard, McClain said he was visiting the Barn, not Bama as had been reported previously. He seemed to indicate there was some sort of communication mixup. I wouldn't count on him being part of this class at this point.
 

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