The Big's Up Front

So much of this year's success is going to depend on the play of our o-line. Last year they performed below expectations and I am hoping this year they can turn it around. I saw some good things this spring and they will bring more experience and size this year. Here's a look at the starting 5.

LT- Rodger Saffold- He has been bit by the injury bug the last couple of seasons. When healthy he is arguably our best offensive lineman. This off-season he improved his bench around 105lbs which has allowed him to get even stronger going into his senior year. He should supply some great protection to Chappell's blind side this upcoming season.

LG- Justin Pagan- last year he played almost every position along the offensive line as a true freshman. He was also mentioned to have increased his bench press this off season around 105lbs. He is a big physical guy who has so much upside. Should be our LG for the rest of his time at IU and I think he is one of our best.

C- Pete Saxon/Will Matte- This position will be up for competition. Saxon brings experience going into his senior season. Matte is a red shirt freshman who is slightly undersized but brings a warrior mentality to the line. He bulked up this off season and should give Saxon a run for his money.

RG- Cody Faulkner- Cody was one of our higher rated offensive lineman coming out of high school. I'm not 100% sure if he will be the starter come first game, the position will also be up to competition. He brings experience to the table.

RT- James Brewer- He only played a year of high school football but he is just a beast. Listed around 6'8 340lbs he is clearly our biggest offensive lineman we have had in a very long time. He made great strides this off season and the coaching staff is confident in his abilities to start at the RT position.

There will be a lot of pressure to perform this season for our o-line. I think with the pistol offense being implemented our o-line will benefit because it allows them to be the aggressor coming off the line of scrimmage instead of dropping back like they did in the spread offense. They should be experienced this year and will no longer be able to use youth as an excuse. A ton of our success will be riding on them this season.