Buckeyes Preparing For Familiar Setting

Regardless of who is lining up beside J.T. Barrett in 2016, the offensive line is going to need to find some answers in order for the offense to stay among the best in the country. Gone is center Jacoby Boren, and so, too, is Taylor Decker. Right tackle Chase Farris will also need to be replaced.

Replacing a two year starter at center, and a three year starter at left tackle is no small task as they are two of the most critical positions in the offense.

First year offensive line coach Greg Studrawa will have plenty of talent at his disposal. Pat Elflein will move to center, providing some relief for one of those glaring concerns. Billy Price will return at left guard, leaving both tackles and the other guard position up for grabs.

There is a quartet of players fighting for that right guard spot. Evan Lisle and Demetrius Knox have been

in the program for multiple years, but they are being pushed by redshirt freshman Matthew Burrell and true freshman Michael Jordan.

Jamarco Jones appears to be the favorite to replace Chase Farris at right tackle, and junior college transfer Malcolm Pridgeon is expected to take control of the left tackle spot when he arrives in June.

Regardless of which names eventually fill out the offensive line unit, how soon will they gel as a unit? Just two years ago the offensive line was undergoing a major overhaul as well. The 2013 Ohio State featured possibly the best offensive line in the history of the program, but four of them departed following the season.

The early parts of the 2014 season were a major struggle for the offensive line, capped off by the nightmare performance against Virginia Tech in their lone loss of the season. From that point on, the unit became the catalyst for the entire team. By the time they reached the College Football Playoff, they were truly dominant.

In similar fashion, the offensive line will not get much time to come gel as a unit before they are tested. And tested they will most certainly be when they travel to Norman to take on Oklahoma in week 3. That game is going to be a showcase for both teams, and Buckeye fans will get a very good look at just what we can expect from the new unit in 2016.

Next: Zone 6