Position Battles To Watch #2: Stankiewitch v. Troutman

Topic: Who SHOULD win and who WILL win this position battle?

2. Stankiewitch v. Troutman at one of the two open offensive guard spots?

Greg's Take--This is really one of the more important positions battles in 2009. Red shirt Freshman Matt Stankiewitch (Stank) is one of the lighter offensive linemen on the roster listed at 290 lbs., while red shirt Sophomore Johnnie Troutman is one of the heaviest at 322 lbs. While neither has seen any significant playing time, the edge in experience goes to Troutman who has had one extra year of practice and maturity under his belt. On the other hand, Stank came highly recruited projecting as a center and has not disappointed based on what practice spectators say. That said, Troutman SHOULD and WILL win this starting job. The key to offensive line play is not size nor individual "talent," but experience and cohesiveness as a unit. With more practice reps under his belt and a year's more maturity, Troutman is likely going to line up as a starter on September 5th against Akron and will still be there on September 26th when Iowa comes to the "White House."

Pete's Response--After my comments about why I believe Timmons will beat out Lynn, I should agree with you, but I DON'T. Stank is going to be another Stephen Wisniewski, I can just feel it. Well maybe not quite as good, but anything close and we will have a great player. I think he has all the tools and just like Wiz; he will be too good to keep off the field. I think Troutman will be a good player and I agree that he should win the job, but that is how good I think Stank will be. Add that to the fact that the offensive line is a position where in recent years we have thrown young guys into the fire.

Greg's Final Word--I hope you're right, Pete. If Stank is anywhere near Wiz, give him the job and let him cut-his-teeth against the "weak" non-conference schedule and build continuity with the rest of the first-string line. But, I just don't see that happening unless Stank wins the job in August. If Troutman begins the season as a starter, only mistakes or injury will keep him out of the line up. Again, the offensive line is all about continuity and the staff is not going to break that up unless Stank is much better than Troutman from the beginning. Stank will get his minutes in the second half of the early season games, but it will be with the second-string line.