After three Missouri lineman found themselves on NFL rosters this summer, the offensive line may be the weakest part of Mizzou’s offense. The interior line should hold up, but questions remain at tackle.
Missouri’s offensive line was solid last season, but three of their key starters left to go to the NFL, leaving holes all over the offensive line. While some players will be expected to start, we may not know exactly where on the line that will be.
However, I’ll make my best guess.
Left Tackle: Bobby Lawrence- 6’8″, 320 lbs (RS So.)
Lawrence obviously has the size to play at the tackle spot, but skill and experience are the question marks here. With this strange offseason, it is hard to know how much the younger guys have developed.
Hopefully Lawrence can use his elite size to help protect whoever is under center. The tackles will be weaker unless the young guys like Lawrence take a big step forward.
Left Guard: Larry Borom- 6’6″, 332 lbs (RS Jr.)
Borom spent some time at tackle last season, and he could play tackle this season, but it may be best for Missouri if he can start at the guard spot. Borom was solid last season and may have to lead this new, young Tiger offensive line.
The interior line is the stronger part of the line for Mizzou. Hopefully the three guys in the middle can do enough to keep Missouri’s run game going.
Center: Michael Maietti- 6’1″ 291 lbs (Sr.)
Maietti is a transfer from Rutgers who will fill Trystan Colon-Castillo’s spot at center. He started 12 games for Rutgers each of the past two seasons. His experience will be crucial for the Tigers, as he will be surrounded by younger guys.
His size doesn’t jump off the charts, but he is a solid center who will hold his own along the trenches.
Right Guard: Case Cook- 6’5″ 300 lbs (Jr.)
Cook is the only other lineman that has taken snaps at center, but he should be starting at the right guard spot. Like Borom, he saw his fair share of action last season and earned his spot among the line this season.
Unlike Borom, Cook should have his spot cemented at guard next to Maietti.
Right Tackle: Hyrin White- 6’6″, 315 lbs (RS Jr.)
White got some playing time last season, but didn’t excel. He lacked consistency and seemed to struggle against SEC defensive lineman.
Projecting him here is hoping that he learned and developed. He has good size, he just needs consistency. With the tackle spots being wide open, hopefully White has the motivation to get better and earn the job.