2007 Preview: KU Offensive Line
Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 01:24PM
DJ Goodwin in 2007 Preview

Replacing the Core


One of the bigger concerns for Kansas in 2007 is replacing the core of the offensive line that graduated center David Ochoa and guards Bob Whitaker and Travis Dambach. On paper there's an answer for each of those losses, but the o-line has become notorious for starting out each campaign slow. In fact, looking back the last time the O-line really hit the ground running was the 2003 season when KU started 5-1. Going into year six, it would be a great time for the guys up front to establish themselves in September and October. There is reason for optimism as Anthony Collins has developed into a rising star at the right tackle position. The guy has the size, speed and fire to be dominant in the trenches. His best moment for 2006 was the domination of KSU mouthpiece Ian Campbell (rated by Rivals.com's Olin Buchanan as the best D-lineman in the Big 12 for 2007).

The other tackle position appears to be a battle between veteran Cesar Rodriguez and redshirt freshman Ian Wolfe. Both are capable tackles so either way things are looking up on the exterior of the line. Moving to the inside, junior Ryan Cantrell has big shoes to fill in replacing Ochoa at the center position. Fortunately, Cantrell saw plenty of action in 2006 and could transition easily. Of course, its still an unknown and the line will only be as good as Cantrell, so this will be the position to watch early. Things are a little more open at the two guard positions. Rameses Arceo is predicted to lock down one position, but the other one could go to three-star JUCO transfer Chet Hartley. There are plenty of other guys who could step up as well. Junior Adrian Mayes should figure into the mix as well as redshirt freshman Carl Wilson.

The three linemen that KU picked up with the 2007 class all have the potential for a big upside. As mentioned above, Hartley probably will snag one of the guard positions as he is already on campus. Jeremiah Hatch is a big-time Texas recruit and was rated as the 14th rated center in the nation. Hopefully, he'll redshirt, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him work his way into the line-up for 2007 as he already has the size at 6-3/301. Jeff Spikes was a last minute addition from Ohio that new O-coordinator Ed Warriner scored. At 6-5/316, he's already got the size, but he's had limited football experience due to injury. He figures to be a little bit more of a project, but he should work into the tackle rotation in the future. It should also be noted that Illinois and Ohio State both showed interest in Spikes.

Quick Note -- Long snapper Zach Hood graduated and Kayl Anderson is slated to take over the duty in 2007. He'll be a sophomore and this will be a transition to keep an eye on as well. Scott Webb is a solid kicker, but KU has had some difficulties in the past implementing new long snappers.


In House


Center


50 Ryan Cantrell  Jr. 6-3/297 -- Sugar Land, TX (William P. Clements HS)
Recruited: 2004 **
 
55 John Marshall Fr/RS 6-2/285 -- Mt. Vernon, TX (Mt. Vernon HS)
Recruited: 2006 ** 5.51


Guard


67 Rameses Arceo Jr.  6-4/310 -- Whittier, CA (St. Paul HS)
Recruited: 2006 ***

66 Adrian Mayes Jr. 6-3/300 -- Manhattan, KS (Manhattan HS).

68 Carl Wilson Fr/RS 6-4/290 -- Redlands, CA (East Valley HS)
Recruited: 2006 ***

75 Marcus Anderson Sr. 6-4/290 -- Oakland, CA (Skyline HS)
Recruited: 2005 ***

73 Justin Pessetto Fr/RS 6-3/285 -- Shawnee, KS (Shawnee Mission Northwest HS)
62 Alex Smith Fr/RS 6-0/275 -- Basehor, KS (Basehor-Linwood HS)
 

Tackle


78 Anthony Collins Jr. 6-6/310 -- Beaumont, TX (Central Senior HS)
Recruited: 2004 ** 4.9 as a DE

63 Ian Wolfe Fr/RS 6-5/290-- Fort Collins, CO (Fort Collins HS)
Recruited: 2006 *** 4.9

65 Cesar Rodriguez Sr. 6-7/290 -- La Puente, CA (Bishop Amat HS)
Recruited: 2003 ** 5.0

70 Matt Darton Jr. 6-6/310 -- San Diego, CA (University City HS)
Recruited: 2004 **

60 Jose Rodriguez So. 6-6/300 -- LaPuenta, CA (Bishop Amat HS)
Recruited: 2005 *** 5.2

Long Snapper


46 Kayl Anderson So. 6-2/225 -- Tulsa, OK (Bishop Kelley HS)

Incoming


*** Chet Hartley -- G -- 6-4/310/5.07 -- El Dorado, KS
*** Jeremiah Hatch -- C -- 6-3/301 -- Dallas, TX
**  Jeff Spikes -- T -- 6-5/316/5.77-- Painesville, OH

Article originally appeared on Kansas Football Blog-Rock Chalk Jayhawk-KU (http://hawkdigest.squarespace.com/).
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