LAKE CHARLES – Part four of a series previewing the McNeese Cowboys as they approach the start of fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 1.
2019 McNeese Football Fall Camp Preview: Offensive Line
On the roster:
Returners – Grant Burguillos (preseason 1
st team All-SLC; 2018 All-SLC and All-Louisiana 2
nd team),
Jamarus Bolding,
Calvin Barkat,
Blaise Scriber,
Collin Fountain,
Cutter Leftwich,
Joe Latronico,
Tanner Pugh,
Kyle Herridge,
Caleb Gary,
Tre Newton,
Zack Jones.
Newcomers/RS Freshmen - Juwan Felix,
Nick Holiday,
Aaron McDaniel, Heyden Shaw,
Demarcus Thomas,
Jack Zelezinski,
Charley Zeno
Key Storyline – Establishing leadership and inserting personality on the team. Offensive line coach
Matt Mattox said the best teams he's been around have been led by the offensive and defensive lines, meaning when the big guys up front work hard and do good things, that's what helps teams to change.
The left side of the line is solid with all-conference guard
Grant Burguillos and tackle
Jamarus Bolding. Burguillos brings a lot of experience and is the leader of the line. Burguillos didn't compete in spring practice but is healthy and ready to go.
Bolding had a productive spring after playing 372 reps last season. Bolding added some solid, good playing weight and has had a great summer workout program.
Between Burguillos and Bolding, the duo combined to play over 1,000 snaps and allowed just two sacks on the season.
Tre Newton,
Collin Fountain,
Blaise Scriber,
Caleb Gary and
Zack Jones all return with significant playing time but there will be a lot of competition for several spots.
Calvin Barkat was the starting center in the spring and is expected to be over the ball when camp begins.
Tanner Pugh took some reps in the spring and will compete.
Cutter Leftwich will return from his injury he suffered and is expected to be ready to go by the start of the season. Center is an important position so the more players you have that can snap the ball, the better.
The new redshirt rule would allow the Cowboys to play freshmen for up to four games, enabling them to get some experience.
Rotation – Getting the best five out on the field is the key and goal, whether that's playing seven or eight guys to get the best five, that's the goal.
Outlook – There are more offensive linemen on the roster this year, 19, than the previous years, some combined. There's a lot of experience on this squad with a ton of combined snaps taken. Depth is always key and this year's o-line should have plenty.
