Watching the college bowl games, I was struck that Navy, Army and Air Force all played in bowls. Army and Air Force won. Army is undersized by almost any D1 standard. Navy and Air Force are both on the smaller side for D1 but not as much so as Army. While these are not top 25 teams, they are obviously quite competitive. Is the need for huge linemen overstated? Nine out of ten times you give up some speed for size. What do you think?

 

To answer the question, Yes. A "Good" Big man will be an advantage no matter what. But a below average big lineman is almost useless.

At the high school level, we prefer athleticism to size. Although it really depends on scheme.

If you will look at the size of Boyles lineman and their dominance. Your question will be answered.

Watching the college bowl games, I was struck that Navy, Army and Air Force all played in bowls. Army and Air Force won. Army is undersized by almost any D1 standard. Navy and Air Force are both on the smaller side for D1 but not as much so as Army. While these are not top 25 teams, they are obviously quite competitive. Is the need for huge linemen overstated? Nine out of ten times you give up some speed for size. What do you think?

 

At the high school level, I think that technique and overall offensive scheme are more important to the success of the O-Line, versus size. It is very rare in KY that you see a huge line, all with good technique and a scheme that supports that style of play. A lot of it is due to what you have to work with, and making the most of it. Highlands O-Line is rarely bigger than the teams they are playing, but the offensive scheme caters to a mobile style of line play. Don't get me wrong, Highlands has had its share of big guys, but they are able to move and have developed good footwork to get where they need to be.

 

At the college level, where you have the ability to select who you have through recruiting, you can attract players who have the large physical size and ability to move. The service academies are different in that they are recruiting for a different purpose altogether.

 

Lastly, I think you also have to look at coaching. Whatever linemen you have, they have to be just as smart, and just as well coached as every skill position to be successful. It has been mentioned on here repeatedly that much of Highlands success in recent history has been due to the excellent coaching of Scott Turner.

Every coach wants five 6'5" 300 lb linemen that can run a 4.3 40, benches 500 lbs and squats 800 lbs. That's the goal. The difference of opinion comes when you can't get that.

If we are talking D1 college, then the answer is yes. They must be huge and athletic.

I don't think there's one "right" answer. I think it depends on several things:

 

 

• The level of play (high school/college/pros)
  
• The competition you play. There are going to be times when massive is all you need, and times where agility and strength are what you need, depending on the other team's defense. Generally, again, that relates directly back to the above.
  
• Your offensive schemes and strengths, and your personnel. A coach has to be able to design his offense around the personnel's strengths...no matter what level. And that has to be able to change due to circumstances...injuries, etc. A flexible coach will be able to adjust his offense based on the personnel available to play, IMO, and be successful.
  

Ideally, you have huge, strong and agile. But, we all know the complete package is a rarity overall.

THe service academies are competitive with smaller OL, but I do think they are limited as to how far they can go. If the goal is to be competitive and win some games it's fine, but to win at a high level I would expect size would be really important.

Unless (he SEC and Big 12 and Big 10 go to the triple option the big linemen are here to stay.

Quote from Rock (strength coordinator at UK). " We don't want BIG linemen, we want quick strong linemen". We heard this several times during many college visits. So the days of the big, obese offensive linemen are coming to and end, unless they are extremely quick as well. that's the word from the schools, not me.

Every coach wants five 6'5" 300 lb linemen that can run a 4.3 40, benches 500 lbs and squats 800 lbs. That's the goal. The difference of opinion comes when you can't get that.

 

Perfect example, and this type of linemen is few among many.

Unless the SEC and Big 12 and Big 10 go to the triple option the big linemen are here to stay.

 

Thank you for your intelligent, thoughtful comments.

You said it.

 

 

Thank you for your intelligent, thoughtful comments.

Big people have a huge advantage on the O-line if they are athletic and strong.

 

 

Thank you for your intelligent, thoughtful comments.

The 49ers in their Bill Walsh/Joe Montana hey day had one of the smallest offensive lines in the NFL.

 

Trends always go full circle in football, and the day of the gargantuan offensive linemen will not be with us forever.