Texas A&M’s 2022 season was marred by several areas of subpar play, and outside of inexperience paired with injury issues to key players throughout SEC play, Jimbo Fisher’s inability to stem the tide was at the heart of all the chaos.
This offseason, changes have been made with additions from the transfer portal and changes to the coaching staff, most notably the dismissal of long-time offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey, leading to the hiring of former SEC head coach Bobby Petrino to the same position.
One area of the offense, the offensive line, coached by veteran O-line coach Steve Addazio, was just awful in 2022, mainly due to inconsistency and injury after injury piling up as the season went on. However, through all its ups and downs, the unit is reportedly one of eight FBS programs that will return all five starters from last season. Still, the starting lineup changed nearly every week for those who weren’t paying attention in October and November.
College Football schools that return ALL FIVE starters on the offensive line this year:
Boston College
Iowa
James Madison
Kansas St
Northern Illinois
San Jose St
Texas
Texas A&M— Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) June 10, 2023
Suppose we’re looking at it from its original depth chart in early Sept. of last year. In that case, the group consisting of left tackle Trey Zuhn III, left guard Kam Dewberry, center Bryce Foster, right guard Layden Robinson, and right tackle Reuben Fatheree II, Dewberry remains the only projected starter who found his way into the lineup midseason.
Depth at the tackle position pales in comparison to depth in the interior, as freshman tackle Chase Bisontis is presently one of the only reliable options if injuries at both tackle spots occur next season, so let’s say that Addazio once again, his work cut out form him. Overall, the continuity aspect is a huge positive going into 2023, especially for sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman whose success will significantly depend on consistency in pass protection.
Lastly, echoing GigEm247’s Carter Karels’ appearance on Bud Elliots Cover 3 Podcast, Jimbo Fisher’s reliance on “old school” O-line recruiting tactics focused on size instead of athleticism showed its weaknesses in droves last season. Still, with another year of experience, offseason training, and a sense of urgency, things will hopefully get back on track in the trenches.
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