Position Preview: Offensive Line

(Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

I was able to catch up with offensive line coach and offensive coordinator Jason Eck to discuss the #605Hogs.  This group has a bunch of new faces but Eck feels really confident in the depth of the group.  Eck has really strengthened this group since arriving at SDSU four years ago.  The cupboard was pretty bare at that time but he has done a great job of recruiting and developing these guys.  The offensive line as a whole is a strength of this team.  I've broken the offensive linemen into tackles, guards, and centers.  This doesn't mean they won't play at another position in a pinch but this is their preferred position.

The tackle position returns an all-conference performer and is expecting a big contribution from a sophomore in 2019.

#78 Evan Greeneway, 6-7, 290, is entering his second year as the starting left tackle.  Greeneway provided a really consistent presence in 2018 and was honored as a preseason All-MVFC honorable mention selection this season. Greeneway is embracing his role as a captain and really investing time in the younger lineman.  Greeneway, a former tight end, has really good athleticism and has the frame and arm length that help him ward off defensive ends.
   
#71 Aron Johnson, 6-6, 290, had the best spring of anyone on the team according to multiple coaches.  The sophomore was 237 lbs when arrived on campus and is now over 290 lbs.  Coach Eck credited Aron for working his tail off to put on good weight and really build strength.  Aron was a good athlete when he arrived on campus but the added weight and strength should make him a really good right tackle that the Jacks can rely on the next three years.  He has big shoes to fill due to the graduation of Tyler Weir but I think he can do it.

#74 Garret Greenfield, 6-6, 290, had a redshirt season spent growing strength and learning the finer details of offensive line.  He is competing to be the top backup at both tackle positions in 2019.  Greenfield is a good athlete but needs to continue to get stronger. 

#72 Jason Titus, 6-5, 300, is also now a sophomore and is continuing to add strength and quickness.  After spending time with the track team in the spring of 2017, Titus focused solely on football in 2018 and that focus paid dividends as he continued to improve.

#68 Ian Bass, 6'4, 280, spent his redshirt season filling out and learning the playbook. Bass is a hard worker and has potential to be a contributor in the future. 

The two guard positions are up for grabs after spring ball but there is still competition from five guys for two spots.

#54 Eddie Miller, 6-5, 320, has played quite a bit the past two years and started early last season at right guard.  However, he has dealt with his share of injuries that have caused him to miss time.  Miller is really strong and can be a grater in the run game.

#56 Eagan Lickiss, 6-4, 310, has also played significantly the past two years; at left tackle as a true freshman and starting at right guard for a handful of games last season.  Lickiss is really intelligent and a good athlete.  He has the athleticism to get to the next level in the run game and neutralize linebackers.

#75 Jon Gruetzmacher, 6-8, 305, has really taken a big step forward after moving to guard after two years as a tackle.  Gruetz is really intelligent and has improved his conditioning.  The benefit of having Jon in the lineup would be his understanding of every position along the offensive line. 

#60 Mason McCormick, 6-4, 290, is a very strong freshman who brings physicality to the group.  He was injured in spring ball so missed some valuable reps but he showed big time potential and is certainly a factor to start.

#79 Grant Schmidt, 6-6, 310, is the former Ohio State transfer.  His two years in Brookings have been full of frustrations on the injury front.  If he can stay healthy, he could be a powerful force on the interior.  We'll see how he does in fall but he could certainly push to start and provide great depth.

The center competition sees the return of a familiar face.

#73 Matt Clark, 6-5, 330, has been away from the team for two years but the former All-MVFC selection is back for his final season.  Clark is a force in the middle and creates mammoth lanes for running backs.  His return to the team is probably the biggest addition to the 2019 roster.

#59 Austin Boen, 6-3, 305, is a sophomore now and plays with a nasty streak.  He has also suffered through a rash of injuries since coming to campus but when right, is a huge depth piece for this team.  He is really strong and especially good in the run game.

#63 Jack Domandle, 6-4, 305, has provided solid depth for the past two seasons and has played in some really big moments.  Domandle is a solid player and can be counted on in a pinch.

#77 Wes Genant, 6-4, 310, has played all over for the Jacks the past three years.  Unfortunately, he had off season surgery that will require him to miss most of the season.  Because he played as a true freshman, he could play in four games and still redshirt.  He has played at tackle and started at guard and center in his career.  This type of versatility in a late season addition could be HUGE.  As we see every year, injuries happen along the offensive line.  Having a veteran who has experience could be a major bonus as the Jacks enter the playoffs and contend to win their first championship.

The Jacks bring in a big group of freshmen Evan Beerntsen, Alex Westendorf, Bo Donald, Ethan Vibert, Brady Beck, and Tyson Strohbeen make for a really talented freshmen group.  Eck thinks that Donald and Vibert are the closest to being ready now.  They could play this year or spend the season growing in the playbook and weight room. 

Go Jacks!
Matt