Here’s another way of looking at the potential o-line production in 2026…
So, as you can see…
The Coogs are #20 out of 138 teams in returning o-line production.
…this is good.
So the fact that, like most teams, anywhere from 1-5 new o-linemen will have to be “incorporated” into the unit, the “experience level” is NOT a concern.
…and, again… the talent level has definately improved, IMO.
A while back I mentioned finding PFF Grades, as this could be a way of validating my argument about talent level, but I’ve been unable, thus far, to find a way to consolidate that data for comparison.
If the replacements were unseasoned freshmen or sophomores I would think they would take longer to gel than the training amp. But the replacements are seasoned veterans with a great amount of experience. I believe they will gel very well.
For an example, just look at the pros. Rookies take time to develop cohesion with the returning veterans. But when a trade is made or a free agents is brought in, they readily assimilate.
From what I am reading, the starting TE will be Patrick Overmyer, the UTSA transfer, at 6’5", 230 lbs. He is more of a receiving threat than blocking TE. Coach will need to sort out the other TEs.
Luke McGary, 6’4", 250 lbs., recovering from injury but expected to be back this fall. Better blocker than Overmyer.
As a Tight End… without doing the research, one would naturally assume it meant something to the effect of… he is tough catching passes OVER THE MIDDLE. At least it’s what I had wrongly assumed.
Yet, after reading that article, it appears that nickname is derived from lining up at QB in short yardage situations, and powering the ball in to the end zone. Overmeyer played QB in high school.
Overmeyer lined up and did it 17 Times last year to a high level of success.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Coach Fritz takes a page out of UTSAs book there…
It sure would take a little of the wear and tear off of Connor Weigman.
When I asked about how our TEs can block, someone suggested Overmeyer was more of a “pass catcher”.
I’m not so sure that is the case.
I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that his 6’5”, 250 lb frame will come in handy blocking as well…
Koziol was not a great blocker, BUT he was a very willing blocker, as opposed to what we had the year before he got here with our then-starter, who was a reluctant blocker and sometimes a loafer.
No doubt Texas Tech has excellent talent, but they have to play together to gel, just like UH does. A mistake here or a TO there, could be the difference, for either team.
Lace em up, play a clean game, and see who make enough plays to win the game.
I strongly disagree. The Oline is like a orchestra. If one instrument is out-of-tune, the whole selection is out-of-tune. One mistake from the OL can lose your QB for the season. They open hole for the QB/RB to run, and give the QB enough time to find an open receiver. OL needs to learn how to RB block, pass block, pick up blitzes, all with everyone on the same page.
I don’t know what to think ab out our OL. But having a redshirt Junior step into the starting lineup after three years in the program is not the same as a newcomer.
Now I know our newcomers have lots of game experience and are highly regarded from a talent perspective, so I expect them to be good - the only question is how long will it take to gel