I consider long snappers to be specialists. I can't recall with certainty the last time a long snapper was actually an "offensive line" player, but I am fairly confident it hasn't been for well over 20 years. Long snappers are usually involved in punt coverage and are often more linebacker than lineman.Even on PATs they usually use flipper and punch technique that is designed to make a stationary wall unlike conventional pass blocking technique. Finally, long snappers are protected in ways that conventional linemen are not in the rules because of the vulnerable position the are often in due to their snapping technique.
There is not a ton of game time experience, but UM had 6 seniors (really 7 with Jemtegaard, who was awarded a 6th year) who graduated. UM develops, strengthens, and bulk up their linemen for the first 2-3 years. Development mostly happens in practice and they get gametime experience when the game is under control or they are the next man up. It is a luxury and a curse.
