The Southeastern Conference is known as a Line of Scrimmage league. The reasons why are numerous.
Over the last four college football seasons, at least six SEC teams have ranked among the nation’s Top 30 in rushing offense or sacks allowed — or both. Those stats are indicative of sound offensive line play.
Further, in that span, the SEC has produced 13 All-American offensive linemen. Just last month, three SEC offensive linemen were selected in the first round of the NFL draft. That’s more than any other conference.
The SEC’s strength up front doesn’t figure to decrease much in 2020. Indeed, Alabama could boast the strongest offensive line in the nation. There could be a few more that are surprisingly elite.
Here’s a look at the projected SEC offensive line rankings for the 2020 season:
1. Alabama: Four starters return from a line that allowed the fewest number of sacks among Power 5 teams last season. Alabama was also fourth in the SEC in rushing offense. First-round draft choice Jedrick Wills must be replaced, but that never seems to be an issue for the Tide. Damn it.
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The Vols’ dramatic turnaround in 2019 can be credited in part to their O-line play.
2. Tennessee: The outlook is getting much better in Knoxville. The o-line is a big reason — perhaps the main reason — why. Trey Smith might be the best guard in the SEC. The rest of the line must improve, but it was young last reason and returns intact. Cade Mays, a transfer from Georgia, will provide a boost if he’s declared eligible.
3. Kentucky: Although left guard Logan Stenberg was taken in the NFL draft, four starters remain, including All-SEC center Drake Jackson. The Wildcats led the SEC in rushing in 2019 despite not having a passing threat in the second half of the season.
4. Georgia: Yikes. Georgia must replace tackles Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson, who were first-round draft choices. The Bulldogs also lost guard Solomon Kindley, a fourth-round selection. However, center Trey Hill and guard Ben Cleveland are solid and proven. Also, Georgia has a stockpile of former five- and four-star prospects that have been waiting for their chance.
5. LSU: Right tackle Austin Deculus is the national champions’ only returning starter up front. You think they’re worried? Guard Ed Ingram has been a productive starter, and there’s always talent on LSU’s roster ready to step up. The Tigers are also optimistic about Harvard transfer Liam Shanahan at tackle.
6. Florida: The Gators were so-so upfront in 2019. Four starters return with the only defection being guard Chris Bleich, who transferred to Syracuse. But Stewart Reese arrived as a graduate transfer from Mississippi State where he was a two-year starter at tackle and one at guard.
7. Texas A&M: This might seem too high for a line that allowed 34 sacks in 2019, but four starters return, and three of them blocked for the SEC’s leading rusher in 2018. There could be some retooling with sophomore Kenyon Green possibly shifting from guard to tackle. An upgrade is expected at center, too.
8. South Carolina: The Gamecocks had their problems up front last year, but most teams would struggle against the schedule they played. Junior Dylan Wannam (recovered from an ankle injury that forced him out of five games) heads a group of four returning starters.
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Protecting the young Bo Nix will be vital to Auburn’s championship hopes in 2020.
9. Auburn: Part-time starting center Nick Brahm is the only returnee with starting experience. Therefore, the Tigers are in serious rebuild mode without a lot of highly-rated prospects to step in.
10. Ole Miss: Statistics might suggest that the Rebels should be ranked higher. They were second in the SEC in rushing offense and sixth in sacks allowed. Stats can be deceiving, though. The Rebels weren’t that dominant up front, and only two starters return.
11. Mississippi State: Stewart’s decision to transfer to Florida hurt as that leaves the Bulldogs with just two returning line starters. Rising-senior Greg Eiland is a solid tackle. Besides, Mike Leach always seemingly assembles an effective line.
12. Missouri: Center Trystan Colon-Castillo’s decision to leave early for the NFL draft (he wasn’t selected) leaves the Tigers with junior tackle Larry Borom and guard Case Cook as the returning starters up front. They’re OK, but nothing special. Kinda like the Tigers line. Or kinda like the Tigers in general.
13. Arkansas: The Razorbacks were 111th in the nation in total offense in 2019. The offensive line doesn’t shoulder all the blame for that, but it is due its share of culpability. The Hogs averaged just 147 rushing yards. That figure plummets to 102.5 yards against SEC West opponents. Further, new starters are needed at left guard and tackle.
14. Vanderbilt: Right tackle Tyler Steen is solid, but two starters completed their eligibility and another — left tackle Devin Cochran — transferred to Georgia Tech. Vandy’s offensive front was statistically one of the weakest lines in the SEC in 2019. There are not a bunch of big-time recruits coming to the rescue.
