A Veteran offensive line returns for Tech in 2016
If you ask most offensive minded coaches about their season many will talk about their offensive line first and foremost. For Louisiana Tech in 2016, they return five who have started for the Bulldogs during their careers and add a high-touted tackle.
It would appear, at least on paper, this is the best offensive line Skip Holtz has had to work with since arriving in Ruston in 2013.
When Sonny Dykes signed Darrell Brown out of Cooper, Texas he was 260 pounds, well he's not 260 anymore and instead 300 pounds. Brown's primary sport was basketball before college and as a result has some very good footwork and needs that footwork to play the important left tackle position. DeVante Lovett has a bright future at Tech and will be brought in for running situations as an extra blocker at tight end. He played some tight end in high school in Strong, Ark. -- as well as served as the team's punter at 6-6, 280.
Speaking of good athletes, Tech's best athlete on its offensive line is without a doubt O'Shea Dugas. The 6-5, 300-pound Dugas won multiple 5A wrestling titles at Lafayette Northside. If he gets his paws on a defensive lineman odds are he's going to win the battle. Dugas is strong, mean and quick and he will nearly assuredly play left guard once again for the Bulldogs after starting there as a true freshman.
The center and right guard positions may be up for grabs as there are several vying for those two positions. Kirby Wixson started at center for the Bulldogs in 2014 before missing the 2015 season to injury. He played a lot of right guard in the spring. Ruston native Joseph Brunson played right guard much of last year but saw his most significant action at center during the spring. David Mahaffey saw action at right guard, center and left guard during the spring but started most of the year last year at center. Having versatility as an offensive lineman is crucial and will likely play dividends for Tech as having the same five starters from game one to game twelve is almost unheard of.
Right tackle will likely be Shane Carpenter or newcomer Josh Outlaw. Outlaw was highly-touted coming out of high school before landing at Texas Tech and transferring to Tyler Junior College last year.
Deontae McCrady had a good spring and will give quality depth to spawn good competition on the interior. Ethan Reed is a smart center who many think could be the future for Tech at that position. Michael Rodriguez has great feet and is long which is exactly what you look for in a tackle. Tech moved Hakim Gray to offensive line during the spring from defensive tackle and will look to provide depth.
Many Tech fans wonder how Ryan Higgins will play at quarterback. If this group can protect so he can find one of Tech's talented receivers he should be just fine.