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Sell me on the O-Line-Sione Tau not a member of the 2009 team

The Guest

Guest
Somebody, please explain to me why we're so confident in the O-line.

The positives from my perspective. Great talent in Solder, Miller and Givens. Some backup experience due to injuries last season.

The concerns. Even the three guys listed above, one has no experience, and the others have limited experience.

Ilitis at center is supposed to be great, but again, no real experience (injured last season).

The guy listed as our starting left guard, Adkins hasn't lettered yet.

What's the status of Behrens, Tau and Daniels?

Somebody make me feel comfortable please. I'm experiencing PCAS (pre-camp anxiety syndrome).
 
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Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Get NATO to put the Kool-Aid back in the break room and we won't need to sell you. :thumbsup:
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

well, sione tau is sitting next to me in the library and, by the looks of it, he could kill a bear.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

well, sione tau is sitting next to me in the library and, by the looks of it, he could kill a bear.

Go poke him and tell him the Walrus called him a pussy. He's academically qualified? After you tell him I said he was a pussy, ask him about the academic qualification.

Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I'll do my best...

LT- Solder. Physical speciman. Showed flashes of brilliance last year (KST game) in his first year ever on the OL (he played MLB and TE in high school). Hopefully he makes a giant leap this year
LG- I see Behrens starting here. He played pretty well in his first action at the college level. MTM would be the starter here if he was healthy imo.
C-Iltis is one of the strongest Buffs on the team. The coaches felt good enough about him that they almost burned his redshirt his first year.
RG-Ryan Miller... nuff said
RT- Bryce Givens... Good enough to allow Miller to slide over to guard. Dominated the Army All-American game with a broken hand...

Someone feel free to add on to what I said
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I think Denver Johnson is a pretty good offensive line coach, who will really help out the guys on the OL.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

i'd like to see the word "smash-mouth" outlawed from the board until after the WVU game and 4 250 yard games on the ground...then, we can talk.

:smile2:
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Another thing to consider is the change in emphasis on the offense - more of a straight ahead, downhill running style. This should play to the strengths of the young o/linemen.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

For Solder, between 2007 & 2008 he moved from TE to LT. HE had to put on about 40 lbs in 8 months, and learn a new position. He has started 12 games (843 plays) at LT, and has spent an entire off-season focused on mastering the position rather than learning it. He also hasn't had to focus on gaining weight, but rather getting stronger & faster. He only gave up 1 sack last year and played against some good talent. His best game was against KSU where he graded to a 99%.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Another thing to consider is the change in emphasis on the offense - more of a straight ahead, downhill running style. This should play to the strengths of the young o/linemen.

It plays the strengths of a certain Soph. RB as well.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I agree with both Slider and the LTC. I'll add two other reasons to feel good about the O-Line: DScott and Speedy. I think they are talented enough to make the O-Line look even better.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

The Walrus, I think I'm rubbing off on you too much.

Here, this round is on me:

kool_aid_man_glass.jpg
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

For Miller, well he is Ryan Miller. I saw him at the bank in boulder, and am surpirsed the teller didn't just hand over all his money when he glared at him.

It takes 4-6 months to fully recover from the broken bone, so he will be healthy and fully mobel. If you watched the spring game, he will be about a half step faster, and a bit more nible then what we saw there. He is extremely adgile for his size, and will strike fear in the hearts of LB's & DB's if he pulls to be a lead blocker. He is fast off the snap, well balanced, and has 12 career starts now. His best game last year was against WVU (86%). He can play with the best.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I would not say Miller has limited experience. He has double digit starts in his career. Same with Solder and Behrens. That experience should pay off this year in a big way.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Givens. In order to get the best 5 guys on the line he is the LT, and Miller is the LG. The coaches and press think he is much better than Bahr (who replaced Miller last year). Bahr started 8 games (585 plays), and had his best game against Nebraska where he graded out to a 93%. He also never gave up a sack. This one is a little bit of faith since he has no experience, but with Miller helping him on the inside I think he will do just fine. (+ we still have Bahr as a back up)
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I would not say Miller has limited experience. He has double digit starts in his career. Same with Solder and Behrens. That experience should pay off this year in a big way.

Yeah, but it's been a while. When Miller's tenure is over, he may end up being my favorite Buff ever. I love that kid--from his recruitment to his early leadership role, all of it. He hasn't played since game four. He's got about a season worth of starts under his belt. But yes, as long he's in there, we've got a good anchor to the line. Plus I like the move to guard, where he can mow a path for our talented backfield.

Solder is another one I'm not worried about. By the end of last season, he appreared to have made the transition from TE to OT. Plus, with his reported work ethic, study habits and freakish accomplishments in the gym, I expect him to continue to improve. His upside remains high.

Givens wowed everybody last year on the Scout team. Good news. Still hasn't played a snap. I don't question his talent and drive. I don't doubt that he's the best guy for the job, I just wish he'd gained some experience in a traditional backup role prior to being thrown into the fire. I'm sure he'll be great.

Back to my previous question about Behrens and Daniels...they're still listed as injured on the depth chart. Do I understand that they're healthy for camp? Are Tau's academic woes behind him. With those three in the mix, I feel much, much better overall. I guess the depth chart kinda freaked me out. Answers anyone?
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Itlis was the guy who was going to make us forget about Kai. He was the reason we tried the whole 260 lbs FB thing in the first place. He is considered the strongest O-Lineman of the 07 class. It has now been a full 12 months since his ACL surgery, and that is about the amount of time it takes to heal. I have had the surgery myself, and at 9 months I was OK, but at 12 months there was a huge difference. If you watched the spring game, you will be able to see a big improvement is his speed, and agility. This will be due in part to confidence, along with time for the knee to heal. I am excited to watch him play.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Are Tau's academic woes behind him. With those three in the mix, I feel much, much better overall. I guess the depth chart kinda freaked me out. Answers anyone?

Here is what Ringo said in his Monday Night Chat:

  • Kyle Ringo: Sione is eligible, The issue with him is of a personal nature, but it is one I expect to be resolved soon. I believe Sione will be on the team and a contributing member based on everything I have heard so far. The issue is evolving though and things could change. I know that is a lame and vague answer, but I don't want to intrude on the young man's privacy.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Back to my previous question about Behrens and Daniels...they're still listed as injured on the depth chart. Do I understand that they're healthy for camp? Are Tau's academic woes behind him. With those three in the mix, I feel much, much better overall. I guess the depth chart kinda freaked me out. Answers anyone?

The depth chart was last updated on June 15th.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

they will break your bones and grind them into bread dont question then
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

Behrens had the 3 most snaps (769) behind Gurthy & Solder. His best game came against West Virginia where he graded out at 89%. I don't know exactly when he got hurt, but he played hurt during the final few games. When I have re-watched the NU game, the left side did a great job of both run and pass blocking. He has had a full off season to recover get healthy, and build strength. He was also a RSf so he has had the opportunity to learn more and grow. If he isn't ready then we have Adkins who had 41 snaps last year, Daniels who had 31 snaps, or a RSf/F. We have depth at the o-line.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I happen to think they will be much improved, but I don't think it's a slam dunk. The key of our entire offense will be line play. It's promising, but very unproven. Here's where the optimism comes from. Due to injuries and ineligibilities, last year's starts were:

Sanders - graduated
Behrens - as a freshmen
Head - who left team, but was unlikely to be a big factor
Bahr -which was a huge jump up
Solder - 1st year as a O-Lineman

This year:
Iltis replaces Sanders. Coaches have raved, but he's coming off ACL and has zero snaps under center in his lifetime and zero plays under his belt in a college football game. Hard to say he's going to be an improvement in year 1.

Behrens - 2nd year should benefit greatly from one full year of starting and experience, not to mention getting stronger.

Miller - started as true freshman at tackler. Should be healthy and better than Head was last year by a large margin imo.

Solder - year two on the O-Line. He's bigger and stronger and much more experienced.

Givens - coaches have raved. He's young, but smart. Not sure he's big enough yet still, but he's good enough. I think he's a big upgrade over where Bahr was last year after Miller went down in game 4.

Backups:
Bahr - started 8 games as an emergency fill-in at RT.
Tau - could win a job, we have no real idea. Big boy and year 3 in program.
Adkins - played well in the spring. Saw action last year as RS-F.
MTM - I'm assuming he will not play, but if healthy, he's seeing action.

We are much better than last year on paper and much deeper. We also looked pretty damn good last year on August 5th!!!!
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

One last thing. In the NU game last year the O-line held Suh in check. His only play, although a killer, was catching a batted ball near the line of scrimage (because he never got anywhere near the QB to bat the ball himself). He had 2 tackles, & 1 assist for the entire game. One of those tackels was when we were trying to run the clock out with 6 minutes left and Helfrich basicly telegraphed that we were running to the right side. He was credited with 2 QB hurries, but 1 was completed and the other was more of a coverage hurry. This is the guy that is considered a top 10 NFL draft pick and our rag tag o-line held him in check.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

well, sione tau is sitting next to me in the library and, by the looks of it, he could kill a bear.

Can we get him in a room with Jay Cutler please??

I can see the concerns over the o-line if you assume the worst for each guy. But the potential is there for those 5 guys to be dominating. We may not see it week one, but if they can stay healthy the full season, look out in November.... :thumbsup:
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I'm not worried about talent... I am worried about injuries.

A few guys coming off injuries along that line.
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

What is the plan for Jack Harris? RS?

Just going over the roster at cubuffs, and I just get pumped up seeing the 14 OL we have.

63 Adkins, Ethan OL 6-4 300 So. VR Castle Rock, Colo. (Douglas County)
71 Bahr, Matthew OL 6-4 290 So. 1L Dove Canyon, Calif. (Mission Viejo)
59 Bakhtiari, David OL 6-4 245 Fr. HS Burlingame, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
66 Behrens, Blake OL 6-3 285 So. 1L Phoenix, Ariz. (Brophy Prep)
60 Clark, David OL 6-4 310 So. VR Aspen, Colo. (Aspen)
68 Daniels, Shawn OL 6-3 285 So. 1L Evergreen, Colo. (Mullen)
53 Dannewitz, Ryan OL 6-6 295 RFr. RS San Jacinto, Calif. (San Jacinto)
77 Givens, Bryce OL 6-6 275 RFr. RS Castle Rock, Colo. (Denver Mullen)
76 Handler, Gus OL 6-4 275 Fr. HS Barrington, Ill. (Barrington)
75 Harris, Jack OL 6-6 275 Fr. HS Parker, Colo. (Chaparral)
56 Stevens, Keenan C 6-2 285 Jr. VR Monument, Colo. (Lewis-Palmer)
64 Iltis, Mike OL 6-3 280 So. VR Sarasota, Fla. (Riverview)
73 Miller, Ryan OL 6-8 320 So. 2L Littleton, Colo. (Columbine)
b-79 Tau, Sione OL 6-5 325 So. VR Honolulu, Hawai'i (Damien Memorial)

The b before Tau's name means "excused"....hmmmm. Is Keenan Stevens a long snapper?

Anyway we finally have some big boys up front again!:thumbsup:
 
Re: Sell me on the O-Line

I'm not worried about talent... I am worried about injuries.

A few guys coming off injuries along that line.

:yeahthat:

But, this will be the most/best depth we've had in the Hawk era. If they can avoid the injury bug this line could rival the ones we had in '01 and '02 imo.
 
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