The Top 5 Players of 2008: Offensive Lineman

The offensive lineman is the work-horse of the college offense. The lineman is probably the most important position on offense, but also the least decorated. The big fellows up front are the ones that can either make or break an offense. The offensive line can make a running back/quarterback look like a hero, or a wasted scholarship. Here are the top 5 offensive linemen in 2008:




Alabama Offensive Tackle Andre Smith

1. Andre Smith (OT - Alabama) - Andre Smith is a 6'4", 330 lb beast at offensive tackle for the Crimson Tide. Smith garnered much attention in 2008 winning the Outland Trophy for the nation's top collegiate offensive lineman. Smith was also named All-SEC First Team and All-American honors by 10 different media outlets and organizations. In December 2008, Smith was suspended from the 2009 Sugar Bowl for "violating team rules". Smith will forgo his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL Draft, where he is expected to go in the top 5.
2. Michael Oher (OT - Mississippi) - Michael Oher is another SEC monster that was pivotal in Ole Miss' resurgence in 2008. Oher is 6'5", 318 lbs and won the 2008 Jacobs Blocking Trophy for Best Blocker in the SEC. He helped the Rebels rank second in the SEC in rushing, and fourth in the SEC in sacks allowed. Oher was named to several first-team All-American teams such as, Playboy, Sports Illustrated, and Lindy's. On January 14th, Oher filed papers to enter the 2009 NFL Draft, but changed his mind two days later to stay for his Senior year at Ole Miss. He will be a force to reckon with in the 2009 season.
3. Eugene Monroe (OT - Virginia) - Standing at 6'6", 315 lbs, Eugene Monroe has good size for the position and very quick feet. Monroe was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy for best blocker in the ACC in 2008. He was also named Second Team All-American by the AP, Walter Camp, and Rivals.com. Monroe is also expected to go very high in the 2009 NFL Draft.
4. Max Unger (C - Oregon) - The Duck's senior center, Max Unger was on watch lists for the Rimington Award, Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award in 2008. This 6'5", 300 lbs ball-snapper was garnered All-American by Pro Football Weekly, SI.com, and Rivals.com. Unger was tied for second in the country with 51 consecutive starts, and displayed versatility by starting two games at left tackle.
5. Herman Johnson (OG - LSU) - Herman Johnson is one of the biggest offensive lineman in the country, at a whopping 6'7", 351 lbs. Johnson is nicknamed "The House" by teammates and he knows how to bring it on game day. He was awarded first-team All-SEC, and first team All-American by AP. Johnson is the heaviest baby ever recorded in Louisiana. He is sure to go high in the first round of the NFL Draft.

This concludes my top 5 players of 2008 for the offensive positions. Tomorrow I will begin a look at the defensive positions, starting with the top 5 defensive ends!