2009 Football Roster Analysis l OL

The rising sophomore made great strides last spring as well as preseason practice in 2008. Looney provided depth behind Brignone and earned one starting call last fall. But in that lone start, Looney was put in a difficult position and had to battle the likes of Alabama noseguard Terrance Cody. Looney has good leverage and if his improvements remain steady this spring and the fall, the Bulldogs may be better off at center than any other offensive line position.

Before suffering a broken ankle in preseason practice, Smith was slated to help the Bulldogs as a true freshman in 2008. Now fully recovered, Smith is still in the plans up front for the Bulldogs. However, what is still in doubt is at what position. Some say guard and some say tackle. But Smith's first spring session should answer those questions and the former all-state member could find his way into the starting lineup.

Hardy was considered a raw prospect when signed in 2008, and the former all-state product was redshirted in 2008. The former staff had questions concerning which line Hardy should play on, and it seems that Hardy has settled on the offensive line. Now down to 300 pounds, Hardy is still a work in progress - like most young offensive linemen in the SEC. But the new staff likes his potential and Hardy could find his way into the rotation in 2009.

Entering the 2008 campaign, many MSU football fans wondered who would replace three-year starter and former All-SEC center Royce Blackledge. J.C. Brignone took the challenge and ended his sophomore season as one of State's most dependable offensive linemen. The rising junior enters spring practice as the starting center and should hold onto his spot. However, it has been rumored that Brignone could face a position change. Head coach Dan Mullen has said he wants to put his five best offensive linemen on the field, regardless of position. Brignone played guard in one game last year as well as playing guard his redshirt freshman campaign. Brignone has often displayed that needed 'mean streak' in the middle of the offensive line.

Like most true freshmen, Watts could benefit from a redshirt season to get adjusted to playing on an SEC offensive line. However, Watts is not like most true freshman. Watts graduated high school early and will be on hand for spring practice in his initial season of college football. Watts played center in high school but his position on the O-line will likely not be determined until the conclusion of spring drills. Watts has shown quickness and endurance this offseason. That was noted in the fact Watts was the first offensive linemen to complete Davis Wade Stadium-run.

Melichar's sophomore season got off to a rocky start due to a combination of factors. Originally, the rising junior was expected to provide depth behind Derek Sherrod at right tackle in 2008. But with Brown dismissed and Sherrod moving to left tackle, that wasn't the case. To make matters worse, Melichar was sick in August and lost over 15 pounds and his strength, as well. Melichar will battle for a starting role at right tackle in 2009, and should have a bit of competiiton.

Freeman was a mid-semester signee and expected to add depth at the tackle slots in 2008. That didn't happen and Freeman was redshirted. However, the extra year gave Freeman the chance to get stronger, which was definitely needed. Freeman has bulked up to 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds and could have depth to Derek Sherrod at left tackle. But he still faces a learning curve, awaiting to take his first snap in the SEC.

Walkon. More information will be provide as BDJ.com learns more about this player.

With Brown's dismissal, the former staff in Starkville noted that the 2009 plan had to be pushed up a year. Now Sherrod enters his second year as State's starting left tackle and should benefit from last year's experience. The highly-touted recruit has yet to reach those "dominating" expectations but he still adds a reliable force on the O-line. Sherrod has also enjoyed a solid offseason and joins Saulsberry as the lone scholarship O-linemen in 'The Champions Club'.