TCU Position Breakdown: Offensive Line

If you missed Monday's running back preview, click here.  Coming tomorrow, the wide receivers.

Depth Chart (* denotes returning starter)

Left Tackle

1.) Marcus Cannon (6-6, 350 Sr)*

In 2009 Cannon did not allow a sack all season, and his dominant performance at right tackle was rewarded with a first-team All-MWC selection.  Cannon will slide over to left tackle in 2010 to take over for Marshall Newhouse, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round.  Cannon is well thought of by the "draft-niks" as well, Mel Kiper of ESPN has Cannon in his top 5 of draft eligible offensive tackles and ESPN the Magazine's Bruce Feldman ranked Cannon as one of his "Top Workout Warriors," and it's easy to see why.

2.) James Dunbar (6-6, 305 RS Fr)

Dunbar was a first-team all-district selection at defensive end and running back for Maud High School.  Yes, you read that right, RUNNING BACK.

Left Guard

1.) Kyle Dooley (6-3, 315 Jr)*

Nebraska product who started all 13 games in 2009 and 5 in 2008.

2.) Blaize Foltz (6-4, 310 So)

Foltz (Derby, KS) appeared in 12 games last season in a reserve capacity and made two starts (UNLV & BYU) in place of an injured Josh Vernon.  Foltz is a weight room junkie and is expected to set many records before he leaves Fort Worth.  His brother, Brady Foltz, who also plays guard, recently committed to TCU as a member of the 2011 class.

Center

1.) Jake Kirkpatrick (6-3, 305 Sr)*

Kirkpatrick was named a first-team All-American by Sports Illustrated and was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the top center in the country.

2.) James Fry (6-3, 290 So)

Hobbies include playing Guitar Hero, drawing, and fishing.

Right Guard

1.) Josh Vernon (6-2, 300 Sr)*

Vernon returns for his second year as a starter at right guard.

2.) Ty Horn (6-5, 320 RS Fr)

Member of the Rivals Texas Top 100 in 2009.

Right Tackle

1a.) Jeff Olson (6-4, 282 Jr)

Olson began spring practice as an afterthought and ended it as the starting right tackle, beating out Zach Roth for the time being.  Olson arrived at TCU in 2007 as a 240 lb tight end.

1b.) Zach Roth (6-6, 316 Sr)

Roth, a 2008 transfer from Garden City C.C. (KS), was penciled in as the starting tackle going into the spring when he was unseated by Jeff Olson.  It is unclear whether this is a motivational ploy or not, but either way this battle should go down to the wire.

2.) Spencer Thompson (6-4, 305 Jr)

Thompson, a first year letterman from Plainview, TX looks to work his way into the rotation this year.

Summary

TCU returns four starters on the offensive line from a 2009 unit that ranked 6th nationally in sacks allowed per game (.92), 5th in scoring (38.3 pts per game) and rush yards (239.5 per game), and 7th in total offense (456.7 yds per game).  There appears to be adequate depth as TCU rotates their lineman quite frequently, however the one question mark on this team is the right tackle position.  Look for this line to continue to keep Dalton's back clean while opening up holes that Mark Mangino could run through.