DEVELOPING DEPTH ON THE O-LINE

Kayden Lyles (76) was establishing himself as a solid center before an injury suffered against Indiana. Lyles isn’t likely to participate in spring practices, so new players will have chances at center and other line spots. 

COLTEN BARTHOLOMEW [email protected]

UW’s offensive line wasn’t the dominant force that fans have come to know in 2020, but that could change in 2021.

After filling in well at left tackle in the second half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, that spot is former five-star recruit Logan Brown’s to lose. Center Kayden Lyles will return from a knee injury in the fall, and the right side has established veterans in guard Logan Bruss and tackle Tyler Beach. Josh Setlzner is presumably a frontrunner for the left guard spot, but touted 2020 recruits like Jack Nelson and Trey Wedig could be pushing for a role there.

Few players behind the aforementioned group have much experience. Cormac Sampson provides depth at center and freshman Tanor Bortolini played extensively when Lyles and Sampson were hurt last season. How the young linemen take advantage of spring reps will determine how much competition there is for roles this fall.