CSU Football Preview - Offensive Line

Photo by Dr. Jairy Hunter, III

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Leading up to the season kickoff against Miami on August 28, CSUsports.com will do a position-by-position look at the 2008 Buccaneers. Today, we feature the offensive line.

The big men up front are led by senior Alex Bragg, who was named to the 2008 preseason all-conference team. Bragg, who has played all across the line, will move into the middle this year to take over the snapping duties from all-conference selection Rick Howell, who graduated after last season.

Even with the loss of Howell, the offensive line returns six men up front with starting experience. Redshirt senior Donald Fondren and redshirt junior Jarrett Johns will anchor the ends of the line, while juniors Jordan Lancaster seeing significant time in the interior. The return of senior J.W. Myers and junior Zach Mitchell from injuries will add depth to the inside of the line.

“Coach Kelly has done a wonderful job, as has the rest of our staff, of getting us to a position where we have the most depth that we have ever had at just about every position,” said Head Coach Jay Mills. “It is possibly most apparent on the offensive line. We have done a good job in the past of pass protecting and we felt like one of the areas that we needed to improve upon is our run blocking.”

Redshirt freshmen B.J. Baker and Levi McFatter both had solid spring campaigns and will see significant playing time, battling for the starting jobs.

“There is a unique bond and relationship between all of them,” continued Mills. “I see us in a position much like a basketball team, where you aren’t playing with five, you are playing with eight or even 10.”