We just landed a commitment from Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech guard). I started a thread discussing the transfer offensive linemen so far. I want to give you a running list so you aren't clicking around to find different pieces of information. So, here is the updated list:
Three guaranteed starters (3 IOL and 1 Tackle) and a depth piece (potential starter):
Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech)
Jordan White (Liberty)
Gunner Givens (Virginia Tech)
Here is what I think our potential starting 5 look like up front with who we have currently:
Three guaranteed starters (3 IOL and 1 Tackle) and a depth piece (potential starter):
Sterling Porcher (Texas Tech)
- HT/WT: 6'4/315
- Position: Strong or Quick Guard
- Grade: B+/A- (at worst a B, at best an A)
- Starter: Yes
- Thoughts: He has good size and quickness. His pass blocking is SEC starting-level caliber. I was impressed with his speed given his size. He does a good job holding up blocks in the run game and is versatile in space. Huge pull by the staff. It appears they have the interior offensive line position figured out going into spring. He played well in the bowl game against Arkansas.
- HT/WT: 6'4/305
- Position: I would put him at quick tackle. Can play quick guard if necessary.
- Grade: B+/A- (at worst a B, at best an A)
- Starter: Yes
- Thoughts: Ok. St.'s offensive is what we run on opposite day, so it is somewhat difficult to evaluate what his effectiveness will be scheme-wise. He has a very athletic build, moves very well in space, has good get off on run plays, and I am impressed by his pass/run block footwork. My only con is that he is not gigantic by any means, but he makes up for it with his athleticism. Great pull by the staff. Biggest thing is for him to add some size in the offseason and get familiar with the playbook. Good that he has experience playing high-caliber defensive linemen.
Jordan White (Liberty)
- HT/WT: 6'2/300
- Position: I would put him a quick guard but he can play center.
- Grade: A+
- Starter: No hesitation, yes.
- Thoughts: He is ready to go on day 1. Best offensive linemen that we have landed in quite some time. Like Glass, I would like him to add some size as he struggles to get movement on bigger guys at times. His technique is near perfect and consistent. I like him at guard more than center because his strengths are his athleticism, movement, and second-level blocking. As seen last year, our offensive functions better with a lot of mass at the center position (Castillo). I don't think his build is the right fit at center in our offense.
Gunner Givens (Virginia Tech)
- HT/WT: 6'5/322
- Position: I would put him at center but he can play strong guard.
- Grade: B- (tough to say due to limited in-game snaps, but downside is probably a C/C- and upside is a B-/B).
- Starter: Will probably make 2-deep and see some action. Needs to have a big spring.
- Thoughts: There is not much film on him. However, from what I saw he is massive and a road grader. He could open a lot of holes in the run game. He has a nasty streak and finishes blocks. His pass-block film looked okay. He is good when he gets his hands on you but has too much forward body lean at times and can get off-balanced with a finesse interior pass rusher or a blitzing linebacker. I would like him to lose 5-10 lbs to allow for him to play more athletically. Once you get over 320 you lose some athleticism. Limited snaps to evaluate prevent me from providing more.
Here is what I think our potential starting 5 look like up front with who we have currently:
- Center - Jordan White (but I would like them to give Givens a look given his size)
- Quick Guard - Sterling Porcher
- Quick Tackle - Isaia Glass
- Strong Guard - Chase Mitchell
- Strong Tackle - Misael Sandoval or Charlie Clark (Big Pete would start if he commits)
