Jim Cordle moves to the tackle position this spring as Michigan transfer Justin Boren takes over at the left guard position and Bryant Browning switches from right tackle to right guard. This could be a temporary position for Cordle as right tackle JB Shugarts is still recovering from shoulder surgery this spring and could take the position during fall camp. And the coaches are looking to rotate the offensive line often in the spring to find the best line-up possible for the fall.
By Steve Patterson
Jim Cordle has Versatility
Of course Cordle has played mostly at center during his career at Ohio State where he started until last season when freshman super recruit and offensive line force Michael Brewster moved into the starting rotation. Cordle shifted to the guard position and continues to show his versatility, now moving to the tackle position on the spring depth chart.
5th Year Senior Leader
Being a senior, Cordle is now the leader of the offensive line. “It is a little different being the head guy on the line,” Cordle, the fifth-year senior, said. “I want to step into a leading role with the young team and get the offensive line going because it has been lacking the last couple years.” He feels the offensive line has not been able to push defensives off the line in some of their biggest games over the past three years.
Line Rotation
“Our attitude for this year is to have tougher practices and a different mindset all together,” Cordle said on Sunday after practice. “There is a lot more contact already and more live plays during practice.” And look for the depth at offensive line to allow the coaches to rotate until they find the perfect line-up. “We’re also doing a lot of rotation to find the perfect lineup.” Cordle explained.
The spring depth chart has Cordle, Browning, Brewster, Boren, and Mike Adams starting. Yet the line is fairly deep this year with a number of second team members able to start also. Tackles Josh Kerr, Andrew Miller, and Shugarts are all capable of playing a good number of plays this season for the Buckeyes. And guard second team members Evan Blankenship, Connor Smith and Jack Mewhort are all doing well in practice.
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