Ranking the nation's top 20 interior linemen

[RS12]

1. C Barrett Jones, Alabama
Particulars: 6-5/302, Sr.; Memphis Evangelical Christian
Buzz: Jones was an All-America guard as a sophomore in 2010. He was an All-America tackle as a junior last season. Now he goes for the hat trick, as he moved to center during spring drills. Jones won the Outland Trophy last season. Jones was a center in high school, but his NFL position likely will be guard. His dad, Rex, played basketball at Alabama under Wimp Sanderson from 1982-84.

2. G Chance Warmack, Alabama
Particulars: 6-3/320, Sr.; Atlanta Westlake
Buzz: Warmack will be a three-year starter and has started each of the past 26 games for the Tide. He was a second-team All-SEC pick last season. He is a road-grader as a run blocker and also is solid in pass protection.

3. C Khaled Holmes, USC
Particulars: 6-4/305, Sr.; Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
Buzz: Holmes redshirted in 2008, then barely played in 2009. But he started at guard in 2010 and center last fall, and heads into this season as one of the nation's top linemen. Holmes is used to playing with Trojans QB Matt Barkley: They attended the same high school. Holmes is both physical and agile, and is considered above-average in pass protection. He graduated with a degree in communications in the spring of 2011 and is working on a master's degree in communication management. Holmes' brother-in-law is Troy Polamalu.

4. G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Particulars: 6-3/310, Sr.; Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard
Buzz: Cooper is going to be a four-year starter and heads a good Tar Heels line. He was a freshman All-America pick in 2009 and has been a second-team All-ACC selection in each of the past two seasons. Cooper is athletic and a run-blocking force; he is able to pull and get to linebackers and defensive backs. He thought about turning pro but decided to stay in school for his senior season.

5. C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
Particulars: 6-4/328, Jr.; Walworth (Wis.) Big Foot
Buzz: Frederick is the latest star off the Badgers' offensive lineman assembly line. Frederick started as a true freshman in 2009 before an injury sidelined him after five games. He sat out the 2010 season, then returned last fall. He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick as a guard last season. Frederick, who played some center in the past, was moved there during the spring to take over for Peter Konz, who left early for the NFL. And, yes, he really did go to Big Foot High.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--...r-linemen.html

[The Realist]

Very bad year to need a C.

Of course Jerry and crew don't think we need one.

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by RS12

1. C Barrett Jones, Alabama
Particulars: 6-5/302, Sr.; Memphis Evangelical Christian
Buzz: Jones was an All-America guard as a sophomore in 2010. He was an All-America tackle as a junior last season. Now he goes for the hat trick, as he moved to center during spring drills. Jones won the Outland Trophy last season. Jones was a center in high school, but his NFL position likely will be guard. His dad, Rex, played basketball at Alabama under Wimp Sanderson from 1982-84.

2. G Chance Warmack, Alabama
Particulars: 6-3/320, Sr.; Atlanta Westlake
Buzz: Warmack will be a three-year starter and has started each of the past 26 games for the Tide. He was a second-team All-SEC pick last season. He is a road-grader as a run blocker and also is solid in pass protection.

3. C Khaled Holmes, USC
Particulars: 6-4/305, Sr.; Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei
[View Full Quote]Buzz: Holmes redshirted in 2008, then barely played in 2009. But he started at guard in 2010 and center last fall, and heads into this season as one of the nation's top linemen. Holmes is used to playing with Trojans QB Matt Barkley: They attended the same high school. Holmes is both physical and agile, and is considered above-average in pass protection. He graduated with a degree in communications in the spring of 2011 and is working on a master's degree in communication management. Holmes' brother-in-law is Troy Polamalu.

4. G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
Particulars: 6-3/310, Sr.; Wilmington (N.C.) Hoggard
Buzz: Cooper is going to be a four-year starter and heads a good Tar Heels line. He was a freshman All-America pick in 2009 and has been a second-team All-ACC selection in each of the past two seasons. Cooper is athletic and a run-blocking force; he is able to pull and get to linebackers and defensive backs. He thought about turning pro but decided to stay in school for his senior season.

5. C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
Particulars: 6-4/328, Jr.; Walworth (Wis.) Big Foot
Buzz: Frederick is the latest star off the Badgers' offensive lineman assembly line. Frederick started as a true freshman in 2009 before an injury sidelined him after five games. He sat out the 2010 season, then returned last fall. He was a second-team All-Big Ten pick as a guard last season. Frederick, who played some center in the past, was moved there during the spring to take over for Peter Konz, who left early for the NFL. And, yes, he really did go to Big Foot High.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf--...r-linemen.html

It will be interesting to monitor the 2 guys that are moving to Center from other positions, Jones and Frederick.