How will the O-line stack up in 2005?

[DaveH]

Here are the returning players according to this past year's roster:

 

75 Koch, Brandon OG 6-3 300 Jr. Gothenburg, Neb. (Gothenburg)

54 Patrick, Chris OL 6-4 280 RFr. Ithaca, Mich. (Ithaca)

59 Byford, Brett OL 6-2 290 RFr. Hartselle, Ala. (Hartselle)

65 Austin, Greg OL 6-1 280 So. Cypress, Texas (Cypress-Fairbanks)

79 Thomas, Cornealius OL 6-6 310 Jr. Honolulu, Hawaii (College of San Francisco) (Farrington)

61 Huff, Mike OL 6-5 300 Fr. Ralston, Neb. (Ralston)

64 Mann, Kurt OL 6-3 285 So. Grand Island, Neb. (Grand Island)

74 Lingenfelter, Newton OL 6-5 275 So. Plainview, Neb. (Plainview)

73 Helming, Jared OL 6-3 300 Jr. Springfield, Mo. (Kickapoo)

56 Pike, Gary OL 6-4 320 Jr. Pueblo, Colo. (Centennial)

62 Christensen, Andy OL 6-3 285 Fr. Bennington, Neb. (Bennington)

76 Murtha, Lydon OL 6-7 300 Fr. Hutchinson, Minn. (Hutchinson)

57 Timm, Cory OL 6-4 320 So. Yutan, Neb. (Yutan)

77 Evwaraye, Seppo OT 6-5 315 Jr. Laurel, Neb. (Laurel-Concord)

 

Here are the current O-line commits (excluding Marcus Gordon at this point):

 

Jacob Hickman

Rodney Picou

Craig Roark

 

So who do you think will be on the starting front in 2005?

[DaveH]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Murtha play in some capacity. Anyone have any input this early?

[Benard]

I don't see the depth chart being much different than last years. I agree that murtha will play alot probably.

[Pedro Guerrero]

I don't see the depth chart being much different than last years.

Beside the two starters and two second team guys. Other then that probably not much difference.

[Armistead]

The depth looks better with the last 2 classes...I figure to see the O-line step up next year with reliable play for 4 quarters, I also expect the huskers to add 1 or 2 more O-line recriuts before signing day.......Clearly we will be bumping guys out of the program in the spring....Guys at qb and rb who will be asked to transfer....that will allow us to keep adding depth at O-line next year as well.....But as far as 2005...look for us to run alot and try to break in a new QB......the O-line will have too settle the offense next year......

[hoyamannn]

I think this will be our major strength next year, along with our backfield. The O-line wasn't bad this year. Dailey usually had time to throw, and they did a decent job blocking for the run. Towards the end of the year, though, teams stacked the box because they wanted to challenge Dailey, and he didn't make them pay. That will be the biggest contributor to their success next year I think, is a guy who can keep the DB's honest. I look for Cornelius Thomas and Murtha to be the two main contributors to the returners next year.