Texas A&M Football: In-Depth Analysis of the Aggies' Offensive Line

As far as football is concerned, the names that fans remember are those of skill players. An average follower of the sport can tell you the QB, running back and maybe a few receivers from their own team's offense, chalking up the entire O-line as just one unit to be grouped together as a massive force.

In reality, however, the offensive line is arguably the most important five positions on the field. Without a talented O-line, no QB or halfback, despite their skill, would be able to perform consistently on a high level.

Even the NFL understands how vital the position is, almost always drafting an offensive lineman in the top five every April. For example, the top pick of the 2008 NFL Draft was Michigan OT Jake Long while OT Matt Kalil is considered a top three prospect for this year's upcoming draft.

Fortunately for Texas A&M, the Aggies enter the SEC with one of the most experienced and talented lines in the country. Sporting all five returning starters from last season, expect this unit of young men to be the anchor for the entire team for the upcoming year.

As spring training for the Aggies just started up a few days ago, we start our positional in-depth analysis with the most solid part of the entire squad, the offensive line.   

Center

The big senior out of LaPlace, Louisiana has been more than a handful for Big 12 defensive lines. Starting in games since he was a freshman, Patrick Lewis has the size, speed and strength to play on the interior of NFL franchises. 

Coming in at an ideal 6'2" and 305 pounds, A&M's senior center is one of their most consistent players. Taking reps at both offensive guard and center over the course of his career at College Station, with his preference being the former, CBSSports ranks the junior as the eighth best guard prospect in the country.

As the most experienced buffet buster on the offensive line, keep an eye out for him to be coaching the younger guards around him to a higher level of power play, especially with the giant defensive lines of the SEC lurking in the near future.   

Guards

Entering the 2012 season as a redshirt sophomore, the big-time Navasota OG Jarvis Harrison holds up the left side for the Aggies. Taking over the starting spot last year, Harrison has emerged as a more than competent interior power for A&M, helping to improve the rushing attack tremendously. 

After being redshirted his freshman year, Cedric Ogbuehi now covers the hole in the right of the offensive line. Making his presence felt after just a single game last season, Ogbuehi earned the spot for the rest of the 2011, learning from the experienced former guard and current center Patrick Lewis.

By far the weakest part of the entire line, each guard brings a youth to this unit that will help engage recruits when they move up in later years. Sitting between a center that has started for each of his three previous seasons as well as two tackles with shockingly bright NFL futures, there is no doubt that these guards will have to evolve quickly to take on SEC defensive lines.  

Tackles

True forces on the offensive line, these junior tackles are two of A&M's best. Both starting as true freshmen, their experience and talent at the position separates them from the rest of the pack. 

With Joeckel coming out of Arlington and Matthews making his way out of Missouri City, each has managed to secure a top-notch ranking among the nation's best offensive tackles, holding onto ninth and second, respectively, by CBSSports for the 2014 NFL class.

Acting as anchors for this powerful offense, each should easily improve their draft stock with some more consistent play against the SEC's finest. Protecting the injury-prone senior RB Christine Michael along with an all-new starting QB should provide a giant challenge for the upcoming season, but both have the potential to make a somewhat bleak situation into a gleaming success with their size, strength and experience at the position. 

Up and Comers

Fortunately for Texas A&M, Mike Sherman seemed to start a trend of bringing in top-notch offensive lineman. New head coach Kevin Sumlin looks as if he has the same outlook on the issue, picking up a few big-time recruits of his own recently.

For example, the 2012 class is riddled with talent ranging from the nation's top center Mike Matthews to lesser-known but still formidable young men like Germain Ifedi and Kimo Tipoti.

As the 2013 class swells up to 14 commitments, one of the largest in the country, some of the top names on the board are offensive lineman such as Ishmael Wilson, J.J. Gustafson, and Joas Aguilar. Sumlin seems intent on building the already stacked position, eager to create room for his playmakers in the SEC.

Keep an eye out for some more top recruits such as OG Baylen Brown out of San Antonio or OT Maurice Porter from Missouri City to possibly commit for 2013.  

Future Outlook

For this unit in particular, fans should expect a lot and, in turn, should receive top-notch output with interest over the next few years. In my opinion, the Aggies have arguably the most talented, experienced, and devastating line in the nation, giving a team that is lacking in other areas somewhere to rally around. 

With a healthy Christine Michael along with am all-new QB in the backfield to protect, this silent but deadly force of veterans should more than be up to the challenge. Some strong backups in the form of Joseph Cheek, Jarvis Harrison and now, with the 2012 class, Mike Matthews, A&M is all set to wreck havoc on the interior of SEC defenses.

With an experienced recruiting coach like Kevin Sumlin at the reins now, more young high school seniors will adjust their gaze to College Station in hopes of one-day earning a spot on the O-line. With some experience playing the position, it is in my personal opinion that the Aggies own one of the most valuable assets this unit could have—experience.

With players such as Patrick Lewis, Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel teaching the new recruits the ropes, the inflow of top-notch lineman should never stop. A bright future awaits this underrated position as it should easily be one that every fan learns to appreciate.