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| Erik Gunderson |
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 316 lbs.
High school: Milan (MI) Milan
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt senior
Jersey number: #69
Last year: I ranked Gunderson #74 and said he would be a backup offensive tackle. He played in five games as a backup offensive tackle.
Gunderson has always been massive but somewhat slow-footed. With a very thin offensive line last season, he worked his way into some playing time. His skills have not changed much, but he has rebuilt his body over the past few seasons. At one time he was very overweight, but he trimmed down to 312 last year and is now up to 316 lbs.
Going into the 2013 season, there's still not much at offensive tackle. The best tackle not named Taylor Lewan or Michael Schofield is probably Ben Braden, but Braden is battling for a starting spot at guard while he bides his time for one of the tackle positions. With redshirt freshman Erik Magnuson struggling and true freshmen elsewhere on the depth chart, Gunderson has a decent chance of being the primary backup offensive tackle. If any long-term injuries occur at the position, I would guess some reshuffling takes place; but in garbage time or short replacement stints, you could see big #69 out there.
Prediction: Backup offensive tackle
Now you have me looking forward to hearing about Magnuson and his struggles.
ReplyDeleteA walk-on as the top OT backup is scary - but the situation would be so much worse if Lewan had left.
ReplyDeleteIf a real injury strikes, I still think they'll shuffle Braden or Kalis at RT and promote one of the interior candidates, but who knows.
Magnus,
ReplyDeleteWhat have you heard to suggest that Braden is ahead of Kalis right now? I'm not disputing I'm just curious. Based on recruiting profile, I would assume Kalis is the better player.