2008 Michigan Preview: Offensive Line
Projected Depth Chart
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| LT | LG | C | RG | RT |
| Ortmann (rJr) | Moosman (rJr) | McAvoy (rJr) | Zirbel (rJr) | Schilling (rSo) |
| Huyge (rFr) | McAvoy (rJr) | Molk (rFr) | Barnum (Fr) | Dorrestein (rSo) |
| O'Neill (Fr) | Wermers (Fr) | Barnum (Fr) | Mealer (Fr) | Zirbel (rJr) |
| Khoury (Fr) | Omameh (Fr) |
Offensive Line
We’ve all heard the facts: four starters are gone, including the NFL’s number one overall pick, a multi-year starter next to him, a Michigan legacy who transferred to Ohio State, and a guy who was never in good enough shape. The lone returning starter is Stephen Schilling at right tackle. The redshirt sophomore started every game last year, and accounts for 13 of the entire squad’s 16 career starts. The other positions are mostly up for grabs, but redshirt junior Mark Ortmann will probably man the other tackle spot. On the inside, redshirt junior Cory Zirbel, redshirt sophomore David Moosman, redshirt junior Tim McAvoy, and redshirt freshman David Molk will compete for the final three spots. Moosman has the upper hand at center, with Zirbel likely at one of the guard spots. Several other players will provide depth, including 6 freshmen.
Analysis
This may be the hardest-hit unit on the team aside from quarterback. Schillling is probably the best athlete on the offensive line, and Molk has tons of potential on the inside, likely as a future center. Ortmann is a classical big left tackle, and it remains to be seen if he has the athleticism for the spread system. The same could be said for most of the players along the interior as well, who were recruited to Michigan’s old power run game. If the offensive line has time to gel, it shouldn’t be a catastrophe, but until we see them accomplish something on the field, they remain the biggest question mark.
Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
