Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State 2019 Early Position Preview: Offensive Line

By Barry Leonard Jr.

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Chasz Wright #77, Will Fries #71 and Steven Gonzalez #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walk the field during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Chasz Wright #77, Will Fries #71 and Steven Gonzalez #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions walk the field during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Washington Huskies at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Can Penn State’s offensive line step up this year?

Offensive line is one of the most overlooked, yet important positions on a football team. Without a solid group up front, an offensive is typically unable to find its flow and is more ineffective. Penn State has had its share of struggles on the offensive line over the past few years, but things look to be improving. The 2019 group is missing some key pieces, but still appears to be in good shape.

The loss of two starters from a year ago — Connor McGovern and Ryan Bates — will certainly hurt, but fortunately, the Nittany Lions still have both talent and experience up front. Led by several returning starters, the line will play a key role in making things easier for new quarterback Sean Clifford.

Left guard Steven Gonzalez, a two-year starter for the Nittany Lions, could have declared early for the 2019 NFL Draft, but decided to return to Happy Valley for his final season. He will help lead the way for the rushing attack and will also provide needed support in pass protection.

Lining up next to Gonzalez at left tackle appears to be Rasheed Walker. The redshirt freshman appeared in four games last season and didn’t burn a year of eligibility. He’s big and athletic and should be considered the favorite to win the left tackle job.

The right side of the line will have a strong veteran presence, thanks to the likes of right tackle Will Fries and right guard C.J. Thorpe. Fries has 20 starts over the past two seasons at both left and right tackle. Thorpe has flipped around from the offensive side to the defensive side during his Penn State career, but will move back to his natural offensive line spot this season.

After starting 12 games at center a year ago, Michal Menet will return once again to handle those duties. He performed well last season and will look to once again provide stability in the center of Penn State’s line.

Backing up the starters will be Hunter Kelly, Mike Miranda, Anthony Whigan, and Des Holmes.

light. Related Story. Penn StateFootball Early Position Preview: Tight End

The offensive line is no longer a weak spot for the Nittany Lions thanks to a commitment to recruiting that position. All of the depth that Franklin has built on the line is finally starting to pay off. Look for Penn State’s 2019 line to be a very good, yet underrated group this season.

Home/Penn State Football