OSU’s offensive line has a lot of new faces

By KEN GORDON

COLUMBUS — Put together, Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts would stand 13 feet, 4 inches tall and weigh 620 pounds.

That might win them the title of world’s biggest question mark.

As Ohio State gets set to open preseason practice Monday, there might be no more pressing issue than how well its rebuilt offensive line comes together.

The Buckeyes likely will have only one player— center Mike Brewster — starting at the same position as last year.

They will be without longtime left tackle Alex Boone, plus guards Steve Rehring and Ben Person. In addition, two returning veterans — Jim Cordle and Bryant Browning — might be moving to different spots.

Given the perennial inconsistency that seems to hinder the line, some might say all this change is good. But so much of that depends on how Adams and Shugarts perform as they step up into significant roles.

Both are sophomores who saw brief playing time last year. Both came to Ohio State highly touted. And they now have the inside track at winning the tackle spots.

“I think it’s one of the areas that we need to get tons and tons of reps and experiences and evaluations,” coach Jim Tressel said. “How exactly the position sifts itself out, we’ve got a whole bunch of practices to figure that out.”

Adams played in five games last season before a foot injury ended his season.

In spring practice, he alternated at left tackle with fourth-year junior Andrew Miller, a converted tight end. That was a surprise, and Miller played well enough that the competition will continue into fall camp.

“[Adams] is one of those guys who’s a very good athlete,” offensive line coach Jim Bollman said. “He’s a gifted athlete, but he’s got to play with toughness and determination and old-fashioned fight.”

Shugarts also was nagged by injuries last season. He played a bit more than Adams — seven games — and Bollman said it was important that Shugarts was able to practice during bowl preparations.

The Klein, Texas, native had shoulder surgery in the offseason and sat out spring practice.

If Adams works out on the left side, Shugarts naturally would be the favorite at right tackle.

“He looks good, he says he’s feeling good,” Tressel said of Shugarts. “He’s going to jump into the fray.”

The line play in spring ball was shaky. That might be understandable, given so many new faces, and the fact they were facing an experienced defensive front. But Tressel’s assessment of the tackle positions coming out of spring didn’t inspire confidence.

“It’s been very difficult because they’re going against really good guys,” he said.

“I’m certain that they’ve learned a lot of lessons. I think all of us would agree that they’ve got to get better.”

Much of that now is up to Adams and Shugarts.