In Reply to: How does other teams do it posted by Starbucks on November 16, 2024 at 12:51:59
Bob Dylan's song title needs to be kept in mind - the times they are a-changin' -- point of fact, the times they are a-changed.
In the past, you could develop really high efficiency offensive lines. Your lines were spaced out over three and four classes so when the seniors were starting and the juniors were backups, second string and on deck, most of the freshmen were redshirting and the R frosh and sophs were learning and developing.
That's how they used to do it - for the last whole bunch of years. The truly great players were able to play early even start - we had a few. But that's history; that;'s how it was done but the conditions today are changed. With the portal, lines are being built with a combination - kids with good potential working their way up on your team while others you land through the portal - if you have the NIL $$ to fund your search.
As to having success, lot of luck involved - Some years we've avoided significant injuries.This year they've hit us hard and, even worse they've concentrated on one position - left tackle - the most important (along with center) on the line, the one that protects the QB's blind side (assuming he's right handed).
Just kind of an overview but Harbaugh developed his lines, he took a number of years to build Michigan into what it was last year (with means both above and below the table). It's always taken time - only now, kids can make a lot of money moving on so the time you've put into getting them ready to produce can go for naught. New world out there