Missouri Football: Meet Tyler Howell and the 2017 offensive line
In this multi-part series, we will explore the depth at each position on the football team, and offer a little background information. Today we discuss offensive line.
Typically, they’re the “no-namers” – their jobs are not glamorous, and unlike a skill player, where a few names may stand out, linemen are typically referred to as a unit.
Their job is so thankless, that even finding pictures to add to the post is a challenge. They truly are the unsung heroes which protect the team’s livelihood.
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When their jobs are done effectively, very little is mentioned about the o-line, but when the quarterback spends more time on his back than upright, linemen step into the spotlight.
The offensive line has never really been an area that gained much attention, until the decade-old film, The Blind Side was released, which told the story of NFL left tackle Michael Oher.
In 2016, the offensive line performed better than most, but still left a lot to be desired, which leaves plenty of room for improvement in 2017. Already, Mizzou touts the most reliable line entering the season.
Last season, the offensive line allowed 27 sacks for a loss of 175 yards. On the other hand, it also allowed the running backs to collect close to 3,000 yards (2,721) on the ground.
In 2017, Mizzou returns most of its offensive line, which is great, because the big men allow the Tigers to compete.
To start this season, the Tigers will return a number of starters from last year, including Tyler Howell, who started all 12 games for Mizzou in 2016; Missouri fans will also see Kevin Pendleton, Paul Adams, AJ Harris, and Yasir Durant in the starting lineup.
The Tigers also brought in some guys who will shore up the team’s depth and bring some size and speed to the offensive line’s ability to block well and protect Drew Lock.
Hyran White, Case Cook, and Larry Borom will look to find some playing time, while developing into Missouri’s system under position coach Glen Ellarbee.
Here’s a glance at some of the names new to the Missouri offensive line.
Larry Borom
Hyrin White
Case Cook
It will be great to see where the offensive line goes this year, and how mush it will have grown for Missouri, both with its maturation and in size.
Later, we will take a look at the work horse on offense: The running backs.