Panther Talk: Position Group Preview: Offensive Live

Slight bias here as we both played o-line in high school and we notice their play more than 99.9% of fans; the truth is the offensive line does not get a lot of love from fans or media recognition, but it is probably the most important position on a football team behind a QB as they control the line of scrimmage and dictate the run and passing games. Without a good O-Line good QBs and RBs are hidden and can struggle, which makes it such a crucial position. The offensive line for the 2019 Pitt Panthers will be the biggest difference between Pitt having a great year and a mediocre year; it is easily the most important position group on this team. Having to replace four starters is a tough task for any team, but not having much experience behind those starters makes it more worrisome. When Kenny has time to throw, he is a very accurate passer, but we all know what happened last season when he got some pressure on him. Let's take a look at the best and worst case scenario for the offensive line this season!

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O-Lineman on the Roster

Kenny Rainey III - 52, RS-So, 6-3 325
Jake Kradel - 53, RS-Fr, 6-3 300
Rashad Wheeler - 54, RS-Jr, 6-3 280
Chase Brown - 55, RS-Sr, 6-5 310
Brandon Ford - 56, RS-Jr, 6-5 310
Gabe Houy - 57, RS-So, 6-6 310
Carson Van Lynn - 59, RS-So, 6-5 300
Owen Drexel - 60, Rs-So, 6-3 300
Brian Burgess - 61, RS-So, 6-2 305
Liam Dick - 62, Fr, 6-7 300
Jimmy The Goat Morrissey - 67, RS-Jr, 6-3 305
Blake Zubovic - 68, RS-Fr, 6-4 315
Nolan Ulizio - 70, RS-Sr, 6-5 320
Bryce Hargrove - 71, RS-Jr, 6-4 315
Jerry Drake Jr - 74, RS-So, 6-5 310
Matt Goncalves - 76, Fr, 6-6 305
Carter Warren - 79, RS-So, 6-5 320
Jesus (There was a lot) Christ - 69, RS-Sr, 6-0 170

Projected Starting 5

Carter Warren - Bryce Hargrove - Jimmy Morrissey - Chase Brown - Gabe Houy

This was the most difficult group to predict since it is relatively unknown who will step up to start at one of the guard and tackle positions. Jimmy Morrissey is one of the best centers in the ACC and is going to be the rock and leader of this group all season, if not a team captain. Hargrove came in to start at guard after Jimmy's injury last season, so it is expected that he will assume a full time starting position this season. Carter Warren won one of the Ed Conway awards for most improved players during spring camp, so it is expected he will start one of the tackle positions, but for the other guard and tackle, who knows.

Chase Brown seems to be the front runner to start at guard opposite of Hargrove and he has some collegiate experience playing in Junior College. We really liked what Houy did in the home opener last year, albeit was against Albany, but we expect him to start at tackle and hope he can continue to improve. The wild card for this group is graduate transfer Nolan Ulizio who mostly played tackle at Michigan, but also appeared at guard in a game last season. If he is good, he can be a huge boost to Pitt given Houy is only a redshirt sophomore. But we just couldn't put Ulizio in the starting 5 given we don't know enough about him other than he played tackle of UM and lost his job - too hard to gauge. Other potential lineman who can make a push for a starting position are : Tackles: Carson Van Lynn and Jerry Drake, Guards: Brandon Ford and Rashad Wheeler.

Best Case Scenario

Pitt does not need this group to be great, but just solid, and that is the best case scenario with this young and inexperienced O-Line. Morrissey continues to ascend as one of the top centers in the ACC and makes 1st or 2nd Team ALL-ACC and this line gives Kenny time to get the ball out to his load of weapons he has to his disposal. Young linemen such as Gabe Huoy and Carter Warren rise to the occasion and provide Pitt some stability on the O-Line that has been senior led for the past three seasons; it is so awesome when an offensive line can come together and play for 2-3 years together. With a solid season from this group, Pitt finishes 9-3 or better. 

Worst Case Scenario

Absolute worst case scenario is another injury to Jimmy Morrissey. He is the rock to this offense and it is crucial he stays healthy. Young lineman fail to develop and Pitt has to rely on grad transfer such as Ulizio and Chase Brown to start and Pit never gets a youth movement on the O-Line. Carter Warren does not live up to expectations and Kenny has not time to throw the ball around to his receivers. With a bad season from the O-Line, Pitt will likely finish 5-7 to the disappointment of all Panther fans in the land. 

Overall Group Rating: C

GIF Group Rating: 

We cannot emphasize enough how important this group is to the success of Pitt. They have the talent but we just don't know how the puzzle will fit and when they will truly mesh. This group does not have to be great, but just solid; if they are solid, Pitt can finish 9-3 or better, if they struggle, Pitt may falter to 5-7.

What are your thoughts on the O-Line? Let us know and thanks for reading!

As always, Hail to Pitt!

-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK