 |
| Erik Magnuson and Taylor Lewan |
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 286 lbs.
High school: Carlsbad (CA) La Costa Canyon
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #78
Last year: I ranked Magnuson #70 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
Magnuson came into last year with significant hype, with some even suggesting that he might play as a backup since the depth was so thin. Part of the reason that didn't happen was that the offensive line stayed pretty healthy, and another - perhaps more significant - part is that he wasn't very good in practice, according to reports. He was thin and young, and he was not a great run blocker coming out of high school; frustration on his end reportedly was evident.
Now he's a year older and more mature, and he's still in the same place on the depth chart. The two incumbent tackles (Taylor Lewan, Michael Schofield) return, and there are a couple adequate walk-ons still remaining (Erik Gunderson, Kristian Mateus). Furthermore, it seems a couple other players have surpassed Magnuson on the "Best Overall" chart, so if there are any injuries to tackles, I would expect to see someone like Ben Braden bump out to tackle before seeing Magnuson on the field. I still think he has considerable upside, but it might be another year or two before he really comes on.
Prediction: Backup offensive tackle
It's pretty great that we have the depth now to allow these guys to develop without having to throw them into the fire to soon. Like you said, he has great upside, and he will have the opportunity to get there if he works at it
ReplyDeleteProjected to start 2 RS Freshman and RS Soph who hasn't played. The backups are walk-ons or freshman. I don't see this as good depth at all. Still a year away at least from a reliable 2-deep.
DeletePoint forward, offensive tackle is the one position on the team that concerns me the most. Recruiting has been okay, but we've picked up a lot of guys who are either major projects or G/T types like Braden. It seems like pretty much every other position on the team is loaded now. I was really hoping that we would land at least one stud prototype OT this year, but it looks like we won't.
ReplyDeleteAt 6'6 and 314lb, I don't think Braden is a G/T type. He's probably one of the 5 best OL on the team and both tackle spots are filled, thus he'll play guard for a season like Schofield did.
DeleteAgree with Elmer that Braden is a more natural tackle, and only playing OG based on the hole there. I had previously assumed that he was purely a RT mauler-type, but I was pleasantly surprised to see how nimbly he moved in the spring game. He may be a legit LT option down the road.
DeleteIt would be ideal if at least one of Magnusson and Logan Tulley Tilman develop into starter material this year. Those are the last two pure OT prospects, so both continuing to struggle will pose a problem. I guess you can throw Chris Fox into the mix as well. Most people seem to be pegging Fox at OG, but he will definitely get a long look at OT by UM.
It would take some very quick improvement for Tuley-Tillman to turn into starter material this year.
DeleteI would not view versatility as a negative. Other way around.
DeleteLTT is a freshman. As Magnus said, he's a long way away from contributing. Magnusson doesn't need to be starter material until next year but given the talent we also have at G, Braden and Kalis-like schilling-could move out to T next year with some combo of Boesch, Bryant, Gunderson, or Kugler playing on the interior. Although your concern about T is valid, patience with these kids.
DeleteThat picture needs a caption. What is Lewan saying to Magnuson? Maybe (Foghorn Leghorn style) "Listen, I say LISTEN to me when I'm talking to you, son!"
ReplyDeleteI think Lewan is explaining how many seats his new bicycle has (as the "twosie" has reportedly been sold).
DeleteI agree that all the tea leaves indicate Magnuson is well behind Kalis and Braden. Also agree that Braden would most likely bump out if one of the starting tackles are hurt for any number of weeks.I think the staff would feel more comfortable playing Glasgow or Burzynski at OG than another tackle.
ReplyDelete