What’s the obsession with obscenely tall lineman at NU?

[BugsAreQualityProtein]

Specifically the OL. They move like they have cement cleats and Plaster of Paris applied to their socks. Rarely have I seen run plays that feature a pulling guard the last several years and don’t even get me started on anytime they attempt an outside run play. In regard to pass protection? Go rewatch the Michigan game from last year and see how the OTs literally fold like law chairs.

Enough with these lanky tubs of lard. 6’1-6’4 is plenty big enough for a D1 P4 line.

 

[Charlie Marlow]

interested in seeing what kind of improvement we might get from the OL now that Geep is in charge.

 

[Tjlskers526]

Specifically the OL. They move like they have cement cleats and Plaster of Paris applied to their socks. Rarely have I seen run plays that feature a pulling guard the last several years and don’t even get me started on anytime they attempt an outside run play. In regard to pass protection? Go rewatch the Michigan game from last year and see how the OTs literally fold like law chairs.

Enough with these lanky tubs of lard. 6’1-6’4 is plenty big enough for a D1 P4 line.

Average NFL OL is 6'5.. Typically ranging from 6'4-6'8.. Our average height is right around 6'5 for all 21 on the roster...

 

[dinglefritz]

Specifically the OL. They move like they have cement cleats and Plaster of Paris applied to their socks. Rarely have I seen run plays that feature a pulling guard the last several years and don’t even get me started on anytime they attempt an outside run play. In regard to pass protection? Go rewatch the Michigan game from last year and see how the OTs literally fold like law chairs.

Enough with these lanky tubs of lard. 6’1-6’4 is plenty big enough for a D1 P4 line.

Arm length and hand size are large determinants in success for offensive linemen. I don’t think we’re obsessed with height so much as just getting more massive linemen. Listen to Saban talk about O linemen.

 

[tro80]

Feel like this would have been a good question a few years ago. SF was obsessed with height for linemen. He's the guy that brought in 6'9" and 6'10" OL. With Prochazka, Benhart and Corcoran (not quite as tall) finally and thankfully gone, we have gone away from that and closer to the norm. Height and hand size are important. Too much height without extraordinary foot speed and balance height is not. Not saying some guys at that height don't possess physical attributes necessary, but they are fewer and farther between than OL in the 6'4" to 6'6" range, IMO. We still have Mpouma and Knutson at 6'7" and 6'8", but not like SF went after.

 

[dinglefritz]

Feel like this would have been a good question a few years ago. SF was obsessed with height for linemen. He's the guy that brought in 6'9" and 6'10" OL. With Prochazka, Benhart and Corcoran (not quite as tall) finally and thankfully gone, we have gone away from that and closer to the norm. Height and hand size are important. Too much height without extraordinary foot speed and balance height is not. Not saying some guys at that height don't possess physical attributes necessary, but they are fewer and farther between than OL in the 6'4" to 6'6" range, IMO. We still have Mpouma and Knutson at 6'7" and 6'8", but not like SF went after.

6’7” to 6’8” is a very common height for NFL tackles. We’ve clearly been trying to recruit OTs and if then move inside the guys who struggle against D1 defenders on the edge. The NFL does the same thing.

 

[mgbreeze]

When you slide out the tape measure and it reads:

"It doesn't matter how tall you are when Donovan Raiola is your coach"

 

[Redscarlet]

When you slide out the tape measure and it reads:

"It doesn't matter how tall you are when Donovan Raiola is your coach"

Good answer.

 

[TheHiker]

Georgia's offensive line says hello. I think they averaged 6'7 and 330+ and their incoming recruits were even taller.

 

[orclover11]

Specifically the OL. They move like they have cement cleats and Plaster of Paris applied to their socks. Rarely have I seen run plays that feature a pulling guard the last several years and don’t even get me started on anytime they attempt an outside run play. In regard to pass protection? Go rewatch the Michigan game from last year and see how the OTs literally fold like law chairs.

Enough with these lanky tubs of lard. 6’1-6’4 is plenty big enough for a D1 P4 line.

Same could be said for undersized running backs, qbs who can't throw...it is a sign of getting what other people don't want, and maybe filling your roster with the most "stars" that you can so you can finish in the top 25 in recruiting. I wouldn't be surprised if coaches were bringing in overrated players because good recruiting classes used to help get extensions.

 

[Man Woman & Child]

Specifically the OL. They move like they have cement cleats and Plaster of Paris applied to their socks. Rarely have I seen run plays that feature a pulling guard the last several years and don’t even get me started on anytime they attempt an outside run play. In regard to pass protection? Go rewatch the Michigan game from last year and see how the OTs literally fold like law chairs.

Enough with these lanky tubs of lard. 6’1-6’4 is plenty big enough for a D1 P4 line.

Your ire is directed at the wrong thing. Immobile, unathletic, poorly coached, out of shape, soft, etc offensive linemen is what we need to get away from. Wanting to go shorter to solve all that other stuff is like wanting to date an uglier chick to make her smarter.