Horns, Trojans boast powerful offensive lines

A big reason USC and Texas enter the season with lofty rankings is the return of powerful offensive lines.

Updated: August 16, 2005, 5:14 PM ET
By Todd McShay | Scouts, Inc.
Here's a quick look at the nation's best offensive lines.

1. Texas Longhorns
This unit is certainly one of the biggest and should develop into the nation's most dominant in 2005. Anchored by 6-foot-7, 310-pound OT Jonathan Scott, the Longhorns' five projected starters average 311 pounds. Scott has rare athletic ability for his size. If he can improve his strength and technique, Scott will be a first round draft pick in 2006.

OG Kasey Studdard is the smallest of the group (6-3, 305) but he plays with the biggest mean streak. Justin Blalock is a wide-bodied mauler at right tackle and has experience both at guard and tackle. Will Allen is an experienced and solid starter at left guard, while Kyle Thornton provides depth as a versatile sophomore reserve. The only real question mark heading into the season is at center, where Lyle Sendlein and Dallas Griffin will compete for the job. Sendlein is bigger and has more experience, which is why he will likely win the position battle.


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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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