In addition to the J.J. Denman article we have up now, here is a little extra insight into the O-line situation at Rutgers.
J.J. Denman has won the starting right tackle job for now as he edged out Zack Heeman in training camp. O-Line coach AJ Blazek said yesterday that Heeman was a bit dinged up last week. However, Denman has been playing tougher than Heeman and been more physical. Heeman had his chance, but could not fully take advantage of that. Blazek said that both will see action on Saturday, but I would expect Denman to see the lion's share of reps. That will be an interesting position to watch as the starter could change over the course of the season. And if both of them struggle, the staff has the option of sliding Chris Muller over to right tackle and inserting Marcus Applefield into the starting right guard spot. Applefield has really come on since January.
As of now, Applefield and Heeman are the next two top lineman outside of the starting five followed closely by Jonah Jackson. Then you have Zach Venesky and Kamaal Seymour rounding out the top 10. Venesky is coming along nicely at guard while Seymour showed promise again Tuesday. I also heard he had a play where absolutely mauled a d-lineman and manhandled him for about 10 yards down the field. His development should be interesting to watch.
Of the four freshmen, Nick Krimin has made the most noise as he has seen his share of reps with the second-team offense through the summer. If injuries were to occur, he could make his way onto the field this year. But despite his early progress, I can see him redshirting. A few guys would have to go down or really play poorly before Krimin is considered for playing time. It might be wise to save that extra year.
J.J. Denman has won the starting right tackle job for now as he edged out Zack Heeman in training camp. O-Line coach AJ Blazek said yesterday that Heeman was a bit dinged up last week. However, Denman has been playing tougher than Heeman and been more physical. Heeman had his chance, but could not fully take advantage of that. Blazek said that both will see action on Saturday, but I would expect Denman to see the lion's share of reps. That will be an interesting position to watch as the starter could change over the course of the season. And if both of them struggle, the staff has the option of sliding Chris Muller over to right tackle and inserting Marcus Applefield into the starting right guard spot. Applefield has really come on since January.
As of now, Applefield and Heeman are the next two top lineman outside of the starting five followed closely by Jonah Jackson. Then you have Zach Venesky and Kamaal Seymour rounding out the top 10. Venesky is coming along nicely at guard while Seymour showed promise again Tuesday. I also heard he had a play where absolutely mauled a d-lineman and manhandled him for about 10 yards down the field. His development should be interesting to watch.
Of the four freshmen, Nick Krimin has made the most noise as he has seen his share of reps with the second-team offense through the summer. If injuries were to occur, he could make his way onto the field this year. But despite his early progress, I can see him redshirting. A few guys would have to go down or really play poorly before Krimin is considered for playing time. It might be wise to save that extra year.
