Plant Panthers Summer Preview – Offensive Line

Linemen don’t get any love? They are the most overlooked position? Not at South Tampa Patch. We’re going to zoom in on a group that really will make or break the team.

Last season, primarily using James Wilder Jr. the Panthers rushed for just under 3,000 yards averaging 198.8 per game and passed for just over 3,000, averaging 205.7 per game. This had a lot to do with the towering tackles they had in Tony Posada and Nathan Sheinle. The two of them powered over defenses, trying to open lanes for Wilder.

Now both Wilder and Posada are headed to FSU and Michigan respectively, while Sheinle returns to Plant for his senior year.

“Last year I was on the backside during most running plays, I’m taking over lead this year,” said Sheinle.

Nathan Thor Sheinle, no quotes around Thor, it’s his real middle name will be basically the guy that Posada was last year. The Panthers lose nothing in size switching Sheinle out for Posada. Posada measured about 6 foot 5 inches and 295 pounds while Thor goes 6 foot 5 and 300 pounds. He’s a big, mean, Viking-looking dude that you do not want coming downhill at you.

However, what might separate Thor from your typical behemoth tackle is his acumen for the game.

“The kid’s got a 1300 SAT score, a 3.9 GPA,” said offensive line coach Sean Love. “His best quality is his leadership; he leads by example.”

Coach Love is real high on Thor.

“He just swallowed up guys, mashed them last year,” said Love. “He’s one of the best trap blockers I’ve seen and his pass blocking is very good too.”

Thor was moved up to Varsity at the end of his freshman stint on JV. Now that he is a senior, he adopts the role of a team leader and a leader of the way. He will be playing on Saturdays too. Thor already has offers from Tulane, ECU, and Wake Forest.

What will happen to Thor’s spot from last year; the other tackle spot?

Covered.

The Panthers have a couple choices there. One, they could go with fellow behemoth Brenden Kellum. Kellum is just a junior but is easily the biggest kid on the team. He must go 6 foot 6 inches or more and top out over 300 pounds. The Panthers are going to have two buildings protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes from tackle this year.

Also putting in time at tackle will be sophomore Richard Bush.

At guard, senior Joseph Cannella has risen through the ranks at Plant to find himself starting at right guard. According to Love, Cannella has paid his dues and has a good attitude toward the game.

Playing guard opposite Cannella will be sophomore Ray Rolerson. Rolerson is the antithesis in many ways to Cannella. Rolerson is a, "new guy" only moving up from JV last year. However, Rolerson has a big upside too. He’s progressing very quickly through summer conditioning and according to OC Sean Love, “if he keeps going the way he’s going, he will be a Division 1 prospect”.

Senior Johnathan Haney provides even more stability and veteran leadership from his center position. Haney started all last year at center and is, “one of the biggest centers we’ve ever had" according to Love. Haney might be up to 6 foot 3 inches this year and he is not a behemoth like the two tackles but goes in the 220s.

“He’s smart and he’s easy to coach,” said Love.

The list does not nearly stop there.

Junior Richie Klepal will sub out tired linemen throughout the year. Senior Michael Dvornik will move over from defensive line to sub in at tackle and even some tight end in running situations. Senior Patrick Wright will come over from defensive line to help out at guard.

Junior Gage Stokes and freshman Jake Fruhmorgen might also see some playing time, albeit limited.