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Returners
- Kirby Adcock (rFr, 6’5” 280 lbs.)
- Austin Capps (Jr, 6’4” 311 lbs.) Moved from DL
- Ty Clary (So. 6’4” 288 lbs.)
- Shane Clenin (rFr, 6’6” 302 lbs.)
- Hjalte Froholdt (Sr, 6’5” 315 lbs.)
- Tyler Hall (So. 6’4” 295 lbs.)
- Dylan Hays (So, 6’3” 294 lbs.)
- Audry Horn (rFr, 6’2” 290 lbs.)
- Johnny Gibson Jr. (Sr, 6’4” 319 lbs.)
- Colton Jackson (Jr, 6’5” 301 lbs.) Out at least 6 games - Back Injury
- Deion Malone (Sr, 6’3” 293 lbs.) OUT FOR SEASON - Knee Injury
- Jalen Merrick (Jr, 6’4” 316 lbs.)
- Dalton Wagner (rFr, 6’9” 302 lbs.)
- Brian Wallace (Sr, 6’6” 320 lbs.)
Newcomers
- Noah Gatlin (Fr, 6’7” 293 lbs.)
- Silas Robinson (Fr, 6’4” 304 lbs.)
- Ryan Winkel (Fr, 6’6” 286 lbs.)
One Big Question : Can Enough Stay Healthy?
We haven’t even played a game yet, and Austin Capps has made the move from defensive tackle to offensive line. That’s how thin things are on the offensive line. Jalen Merrick is dealing with migraines and Dalton Wagner recently had his appendix removed so health is a major question going into game one. Ryan Winkel is also recovering from a torn pectoral that happened in summer workouts.
At the most recent scrimmage, the starters lined up as Shane Clenin (LT), Kirby Adcock (LG), Hjalte Froholdt (C), Johnny Gibson (RG), Brian Wallace (RT). True freshmen Noah Gatlin and Silas Robinson have both been mentioned by both Chad Morris and Joe Craddock as freshmen who will be needed to contribute right away. Morris has been especially complimentary about Gatlin so expect him to get in the game early and often.
The offensive line is the thinnest position the Hogs have, and is already the most affected by injury. Capps has been there for just fall camp and is already on the second team at left guard. Whoever gets the call at quarterback, they will have to deal with questions on the offensive line, much like the last two seasons.