Originally <a href='/showthread.php?p=19277698'>posted</a> on 07/31/2013:

Auburn Offensive Line

After a bad 2012 season, the Tigers' offensive line is hoping to bounce back in 2013 with four returning starters from a pro-style offense that is transitioning to the hurry-up, no-huddle variety. Auburn allowed 37 sacks last season, ranking 12th in the SEC overall. On a per-game basis, the Tigers were tied for 109th nationally with 3.08 sacks allowed. The change back to Malzahn's offense and what is expected to be a far more consistent quarterback picture this season will only help lower the losses of yardage. Still, Auburn produced a 1,000 yard rusher last season despite the line's struggles. Only RG John Sullen departs from last season and that could be addition by subtraction. While center Reese Dismukes (6-3,290,Jr) is Auburn's greatest strength on the line, the lack of depth behind him is also the Tigers' greatest weakness on the offense. Backup center Tunde Fariyike (6-2,307,Jr) struggled with shotgun snaps in 2012 and had some bad snaps during spring drills. If something happens to Dismukes, the offense could hit a wall unlike if any other player were to go down. Greg Robinson (6-5,315,So) is an improving tackle on the blind side, and Chad Slade (6-5,310,Jr) is a capable start at right guard. The right tackle spot could be an open competition between Patrick Miller (6-7,285 So) and Avery Young (6-6,315,So) all over again. Young opened 2012 as the starter but went down with season ending shoulder surgery and Miller had his bumps in the road as SEC defensive ends regularly had their way with him. The competition at left guard might be an ongoing contest as Alex Kozan, Jordan Diamond and Devonte Danzey all spent time with the first team during the spring. Deon Mix, a 4-star recruit out of Mississippi was the only offensive line signee in 2013 and he'll play guard. Most believe this year's edition will be much more productive than last year. Finding a capable backup at center is a must.
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Alabama Offensive Line

The only thing that could hold back the Alabama football team this season is if the offensive linemen don't produce. The coaches and players know it, so their development has been of utmost importance during the summer. Coach Saban felt during the SEC Media Days that the line has come along well since spring practice. Losing three All-Americans off the line can cause some concern. It wasn't just their ability and experience that was lost, it was the cohesiveness of the unit. Senior right guard Anthony Steen and junior left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio are the returning starters and both will be high NFL draft picks. Kouandjio is the vocal leader, while Steen is the one-on-one guy with his young teammates. The two offer valuable experience and leadership for the group. Sophomore Ryan Kelly will start at center. He came off the bench to play in 12 games last season and has earned the respect of McCarron and his teammates. Competition continues at the left guard with Arie Kouandjio, Kellen Williams and Chad Lindsey. Right tackle is being contested between Austin Shepherd and JUCO Leon Brown. Others who are in contention for playing time include Brandon Greene, Caleb Gulledge, Issac Luatua and Alphonse Taylor. With a veteran quarterback, outstanding running backs and deep talented receiver corp, I'm thinking this 2013 offensive line will be just fine.

**For a much more detailed summary on Alabama's O-Line...check out Jimmydafreak's writeup in the Alabama -20 thread located in the college football forum.
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