Early Train of Thought
Well we appear to be set at 4 spots. I'm starting to think that Carey will indeed be the LT. It seems like that's been predestined by this staff, but also due to the fact that the other guys have their spots locked up, being that they are 4 of the 5 best linemen on the team.
I don't know why it took so long for my lightbulb to go on, but the current positional assignments really aren't to be read into. With the exception of a few starters, everybody was lining up somewhere other than where they lined up in '04. And I think the reason why ties into the "everybody learns every position" mantra. I think the ability to play multiple positions will play a major part in who makes the team and who doesn't.
I think St. Clair is unquestionably the top reserve, as he can pretty much play anywhere. I think Wade Smith sticks at backup center if for no other reason than him being the only other guy getting time at center. And the staff seems to think he could have a future there. McInstosh probably sticks because he's an big, experienced veteran at LT (which means he can play RT too).
I think Cook and Whitley will end up competing for the last spot on the line. We've already seen Cook at tackle, while Whitley has only played left and right guard (that we know of). He did see a very small amount of time at tackle early in college, but nothing in the pros. Still, with two swing tackles already behind the starters, pure guard play could win out over versatility.
Alaibi is too light right now I think. PS material. Tony Pape could also get into the mix when he returns from Europe. We'll see.
Well we appear to be set at 4 spots. I'm starting to think that Carey will indeed be the LT. It seems like that's been predestined by this staff, but also due to the fact that the other guys have their spots locked up, being that they are 4 of the 5 best linemen on the team.
I don't know why it took so long for my lightbulb to go on, but the current positional assignments really aren't to be read into. With the exception of a few starters, everybody was lining up somewhere other than where they lined up in '04. And I think the reason why ties into the "everybody learns every position" mantra. I think the ability to play multiple positions will play a major part in who makes the team and who doesn't.
I think St. Clair is unquestionably the top reserve, as he can pretty much play anywhere. I think Wade Smith sticks at backup center if for no other reason than him being the only other guy getting time at center. And the staff seems to think he could have a future there. McInstosh probably sticks because he's an big, experienced veteran at LT (which means he can play RT too).
I think Cook and Whitley will end up competing for the last spot on the line. We've already seen Cook at tackle, while Whitley has only played left and right guard (that we know of). He did see a very small amount of time at tackle early in college, but nothing in the pros. Still, with two swing tackles already behind the starters, pure guard play could win out over versatility.
Alaibi is too light right now I think. PS material. Tony Pape could also get into the mix when he returns from Europe. We'll see.