A new crop of bigger, faster and much stronger offensive linemen will sign on Wednesday. Many will be expected to play right away.
Attitudes and expectations toward young linemen have shifted over the last decade, a noticeable trend that has only grown in recent years. Let’s use last year as an example. Of the 14 offensive linemen listed in the ESPN 300, nine played.
ESPN.com Freshman All-American Mitch Hyatt led the way as the only player among them to start every game last season. His whopping 1,067 snaps as Clemson’s starting left tackle were the most among freshmen offensive linemen.