2023 O Line Position Preview

2023 O Line Position Preview 


OT Alex Wollschlaeger (photo via BGSU Athletics)

Looking Back at 2022 


The O line last year was better than any of the Falcon lines in Coach Loeffler's previous years. The run game was non existent in the red zone but we were able to get some chunk runs in MAC play. The pass protection had some really good moments but I do think Matt McDonald's mobility played a huge part in the reduction of sacks. Just 4 rushing touchdowns for running backs was dead last in all of FBS last year so hopefully the red zone ground game improves for 2023. 

Departures

Jakari Robinson was a standout at center last year and he graduates while RG Jalen Grant transfers to Purdue. Leris Manzi and Jeremiah Banks-Wall also leave via the portal. Both guys contributed to the awesome Marshall win but could not see much playing time this year or last. Overall despite losing some key starters, I think the BG line will have more depth. 

Incoming

The transfer portal is providing some great depth for this year and the future. Hunter Deyo transfers in from Iowa State along with Chris Akporoghene and Armon Bethea from Tulsa and Arizona State. Brody Bolyn, James Thomas, DeAreion Scott and Adam Garloch come in as high school recruits. I also see Nate Pabst switched from DL to OL this off season.  

Who will start in 2023? 

The depth chart is now out. Kam Stewart is at LT, Tunde Fatukasi LG, Alex Padgett C, Bronson Warner RG, and Alex Wollschlaeger at RT. The right side of Alex and Bronson were steady all 13 games last year and I was going to predict they return. Tunde and Kam rotated at LT in 2022 and now will both start in 2023. The surprise to me is Padgett at center, I had no idea who was going to win that job but it is exciting to see a homegrown Falcon win the start. I am really confident this line will take a step forward and I guarantee this O line will decide how far this team goes. Good or bad, the run game will decide BG's success against this brutal schedule. BG finally has good depth with rotational players like Cade Zimmerly, Nate Pabst, Jake Burns, and Cedric Dunbar. I want nothing more than be able to mash teams in the trenches this year and play blue collar football! 

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