Spring Ball Notebook: Offensive Line
With the Huskies Spring Showcase just days away, UConn Illustrated examines the offensive line. Below is a look at the projected depth chart for the showcase, along with analysis on how the offensive line jig-saw can eventually fit together.
Projected Spring Showcase Depth Chart
First Team (LT-LG-C-RG-RT)
71 Valentin Senn, rSo, Volders, Austria, 6-7, 298
62 Noel Ofori-Nyadu, rJr, Arlington, TX, 6-3, 292
72 Jake Guidone, Gr, Westwood, MA, 6-2, 304
64 Christian Haynes, rJr, Bowie, MD, 6-3, 305
67 Christopher Fortin, So, St-Rene, Quebec, 6-5, 302
Second Team (LT-LG-C-RG-RT)
79 Danny Antolovich, rFr, Kiental, Switzerland, 6-7, 294
60 Mason Raymer, So, Purcellville, VA, 6-4, 311
52 Yakiri Walker, rFr, Desoto, TX, 6-2, 272
55 Gamaliel Barboza, Sr, San Antonio, TX, 6-4, 310
74 Nikko Pohahau, rJr, Redwood City, CA, 6-5, 274
Reserves
75 Chase Lundt, rSo, Arlington, TX, 6-7, 304 (Injured)
73 Rayonte Brown, rSo, Baltimore, MD, 6-7, 291
69 Will Meyer, So, Arlington, MA, 6-2, 317
61 Jesse Polansky, So, Wallingford, CT, 6-2, 298
đź“…: April 21st
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) April 13, 2022
⌚: 6:30 PM
🏟: Morrone Stadium
BE THERE!#HuskyRevolution pic.twitter.com/apf0Cfszu5
Plenty of trends come and go in football but one constant will always remain the same; success starts in the trenches.
For the 2021 Huskies program, it was trying times along the front lines, as the offense struggled to historic lows. The UConn offense ranked 128th overall, amongst FBS teams. As a unit, the Huskies ran the fewest amount of plays (707) of any team in the nation, converted the lowest total number of third downs (42) and had the second fewest first downs in the land (167), while allowing an alarming 40 sacks in 12 games.
Let’s take a deep breath for a moment, it doesn’t all fall on the offensive line. However, significant improvement will be expected. One of the main men tasked with the turnaround will be new offensive line coach Gordie Sammis, who previously served in the same capacity at William & Mary. Under Sammis’ tutelage, the Tribe’s offensive output immediately doubled during his first season. Last year, William & Mary led the CAA in rushing yards per game (203.7), nearly 30 yards more than the next best team.
Progress appears to be around the mountain with Sammis bringing the type of coaching background that UConn head coach Jim L. Mora seeks in his assistants.
“Gordie Sammis is a great fit for our football program,” Mora said upon his hiring. “He is hard-working, caring and has a track record of helping student-athletes realize and reach their potential. I know he will make a positive impact on our team and specifically our offensive line.”
With the news that the Huskies have changed their Spring Game, to a Spring Showcase, we may not see the entire turnaround come to fruition just yet but UConn fans can expect to see some great strides made.
For our offensive line observations, we will work from left to right, starting with Valentin Senn at left tackle. The Austria native has been taking first team reps and is line to be the blindside protector. Senn appeared in three games for the Huskies a year ago, after spending one season at Colorado. While he owns great size and length, he tends to get caught standing a bit too upright at times, something he will need to hone over the summer. This will be a big step up in responsibility for the redshirt sophomore.
Holding down the left side of the offensive line at guard has been Noel Ofori-Nyadu, who owns eight games of experience from 2021. The redshirt junior possesses quick feet and gets into the second level efficiently but he will need to be careful of being too grabby at times. The Texas native has had his share of ups and downs during the spring.
UConn should see an upgrade at center, where graduate senior Jake Guidone brings championship pedigree, having won a pair of Ivy League titles. The FCS All-American brings a gritty mentality and stout anchor. His lower body strength allows him to create leverage and with his football acumen, he essentially acts as a coach on the field.
Next to Guidone on the right side will be Huskies stalwart Christian Haynes, who enters his third season as starter. A fast, physical, well-built mauler, Haynes demonstrates excellent hand placement, along with great strength and a low, wide base. The redshirt junior has also received reps at right tackle during the spring and is the best player on the Huskies football team that no one talks about nearly enough.
For the time being, sophomore Christopher Fortin, is manning the right tackle position. The Quebec native appeared in six games last season, displaying sound technique and adequate athleticism. The hope is for redshirt sophomore Chase Lundt to eventually return to the spot he occupied a year ago, making 11 starts before suffering a leg injury against Clemson. He has remained sidelined during the spring.
The depth of the Huskies offensive line unit will be tested in 2022. Some key reserves who figure to factor into the mix include redshirt junior Nikko Pohahau, who seems to be still filling out his very long frame—he spent one season at Colorado, where he redshirted before landing in Storrs. Pohahau has had a handful of pancake blocks during spring ball and could be utilized in a backup swingman role at left tackle. Serving in a similar role but on the interior, UTEP transfer Gamaliel Barboza brings a high motor and could step in at all three positions on the inside if needed.
Buckle up Huskies fans, the new and improved 2022 offensive line debuts this Thursday at Joseph J. Morron Stadium, we’ll see you there!
*UConn Illustrated is part of the FanNation Network on Sports Illustrated, your new home for Huskies sports! Be sure to follow us @UConnSI
Spring Ball Notebook Series:
· Quarterbacks
