Looking at lack of depth on O line and no news on portal transfers maybe converting a couple players could happen. It has happened in the past. Two that come to mind that have the size and the frames to put on more weight are Jake Olson and Journey Grimsrud. TE and D Line groups appear to be real deep and they could possibly get on the field sooner if they converted. Both are really good athletes.
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Converting players to O Line
- Thread starter UncleRico
- Start date
Yeah been strange how quiet the transfer portal has been for us. Usually someone knows something or you can infer from social media but not a lot of that this year so I’m still holding out hope it’s a surprise but it dwindles by the week.
Summer workouts have started.
Summer workouts have started.
If we're converting other position players to OL at this point in the season, we are in huge trouble.
alabamagrizzly
Well-known member
UncleRico said:
Probably not a great idea. If I remember correctly Olsen was a pretty highly touted TE recruit due to his size and athleticism. Journey is a DT I believe where we’re not as deep as DE. I think he’s probably 4th on the depth chart and we only play one but the 3 ahead of him are 2 Sr’s and a Jr. Keep these kids where they’re at and develop 3 of the 10 non returning starters to fill the 3 empty slots. We currently have 12 O lineman on the roster and like what UofMMan said, if we need to pull kids in and thin out other positions to replace kids where there’s already plenty of bodies, we’re in big trouble. If we are in that much trouble, it’s Chads fault.
alabamagrizzly said:
I saw Grimsrud play in high school and most thought he would be an O Lineman. Didn't start wrestling until his Soph year and then ended up a state champ his senior year. Some in Huntley compared him to Derek Decker. I am just saying that we have a lot of depth at certain spots and putting two really athletic kids on the O Line might pay off huge down the road. There are a lot of NFL tackles that were college TE's. I was just thinking out loud. Well in a forum.
alabamagrizzly
Well-known member
UncleRico said:
Oh I get it. It’s been well publicized what position Dylan Cook used to play and look at him now. I personally feel, although it’s probably not a popular opinion, that we’ll be ok with the current lineman on the roster, especially once they start getting more and more live snaps under their belts. Plus, they’ll be sharpened by iron which is our defense that they’ll see in fall camp. With Jr C AJ Forbes leading the line and veteran G Hunter Mayginnes both returning, I really like the group of Cody Kanouse, Liam Brown, Kevin Good, Colin Dreis, Brandon Casey, and Dillon Botner battling for the other 3 spots. Plus with a healthy Marcus Knight returning and a mobile Lucas Johnson at QB will definitely help.
I think they will be more than alright if they stay healthy. Knight and Johnson are huge. And every year there are players that develop beyond any fans expectations. And I would say there are guys on that list that we really don't know much about. So you made some great points and I will make a huge effort to exhibit the same positive attitude in the Fall because if you are right the Griz will be scary good.alabamagrizzly said:
UncleRico said:
In the last 7-8 years - which O-lineman for the Griz developed beyond expectations?
alabamagrizzly
Well-known member
SoldierGriz said:
That’s a loaded question since most Griz fans expect all recruits to become All League players.
mthoopsfan
Well-known member
1. Jackson Thiebes.
"2016: Thiebes returns for his redshirt senior year as one of the most seasoned offensive lineman on the Grizzly front, and will look to cement a starting position at tackle.
2015: Played in four games at offensive tackle, earning a start against Idaho State... Awarded the Colleen Marks Athletic Scholarship at the annual Lindsay Awards Banquet.
2014: Thiebes was moved from tight end to the offensive line and played at left tackle. He played in six games and started in two: at Wyoming and vs. Central Washington.
2013: Was a redshirt at Montana"
"New England Free Jacks lock Jackson Thiebes has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 27." He became a very good rugby player in Boston.
2. Cooper Sprunk.
"2017: Sprunk returns to lead the Griz as one of four seniors on an experienced offensive line.
2016: Filled in as an injury cover at center in the first game of the season and proceeded to start 10-straight games for the Griz in his junior campaign... With help from the offensive line, Montana produced the nation’s fifth-best passing attack in 2016, averaging 327 yards per game in the air.
2015: Moved inside on the offensive line for his redshirt sophomore season, and made an appearance in four games at center after playing tight end as a freshman.
2014: Played in nine games as a tight end.
2013: He was a redshirt."
"2016: Thiebes returns for his redshirt senior year as one of the most seasoned offensive lineman on the Grizzly front, and will look to cement a starting position at tackle.
2015: Played in four games at offensive tackle, earning a start against Idaho State... Awarded the Colleen Marks Athletic Scholarship at the annual Lindsay Awards Banquet.
2014: Thiebes was moved from tight end to the offensive line and played at left tackle. He played in six games and started in two: at Wyoming and vs. Central Washington.
2013: Was a redshirt at Montana"
"New England Free Jacks lock Jackson Thiebes has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 27." He became a very good rugby player in Boston.
2. Cooper Sprunk.
"2017: Sprunk returns to lead the Griz as one of four seniors on an experienced offensive line.
2016: Filled in as an injury cover at center in the first game of the season and proceeded to start 10-straight games for the Griz in his junior campaign... With help from the offensive line, Montana produced the nation’s fifth-best passing attack in 2016, averaging 327 yards per game in the air.
2015: Moved inside on the offensive line for his redshirt sophomore season, and made an appearance in four games at center after playing tight end as a freshman.
2014: Played in nine games as a tight end.
2013: He was a redshirt."
mthoopsfan said:
So, neither one first team all big sky and neither an All American. Got it. That's how far the Griz have fallen...when "returning to the team" is the best we can do for exceeding expectations.
Now, go invite Chad to your lake shack and let him know how much you love him and his production.
mthoopsfan said:
These are both great examples of player development. I’m just throwing out that Grimsrud and Olson’s ceiling may be higher if they converted to OL. Both are tall and athletic and could put on weight. For example Cook was athletic enough to be a NAIA QB but that’s where it ends for him. As an O Lineman he has an opportunity to make a very nice living.
Rather than any one player or players that develop...I believe our o/l has a identity problem.....by that I mean the culture is not one of being tough and nasty......look at the teams that are really good and they all have that going for them....it is more of an attitude problem to me......if asked (team members) over the last ten years who is the person on the team that you would not mess with and it has been linebackers and defensive ends.....why not an Offensive lineman ?....My hope is that they become more offensive...ha ! Go Griz !
AZGrizFan said:
Exactly.
Patting myself on back.
