New Mexico State Football 2018 Position Previews: Offensive Line

Is it time for football yet? No....ok well thats fine I guess.

We still have some positions to preview! Up next is the offensive line.

Graduates

Only one starter is gone this year, RG Dezmand Candelarie. Last year Candelarie started 12 games and started 29 throughout his career.

That means this unit will be very experienced and deep.

Returnees/New Guys

The Aggies return almost their entire offensive line from a season ago, including:

• C Jamin Smith
• RT Isacc McClain
• RT Sebastian Anderson
• RT Jalen Guererro
• LG Brian Trujillo
• LT Sage Doxtater
• LT Kris’Sean Edwards
• LT Tony Bello
• C David Ash

The only two members of the offensive line to start all 13 games last year were Isacc McClain and Brian Trujillo which means that a lot of members of the line got playing time and invaluable experience.

With many seniors and juniors on the offensive line, the coaches went out and recruited well to help get guys in and get experience before throwing them into playing time as freshman. Among the new offensive line recruits for 2018 are:

• LG Austin Young
• RG Isaiah Mursalat
• OL Eric Pulliam
• RG Max Wilhite
• LG Evan Tafoya-Vallo

A lot of these recrutis should be able to be redshirted or greyshirted based on the amount of depth and experience the Aggies have in the two deep. That will give them some time to develop more muscle and get acclimated to playing Division 1 football. I expect to see most, if not all, get playing time next year.

Upgrade/Downgrade

Although only two lineman made it through the entire year, it provided a chance for many guys to get experience. That will help this season with a new quarterback and fairly new running back corps.

This group should be able to protect the Q and clear some running lanes for the backs. The amount of talent brought in just adds to the depth.

This unit is a clear upgrade and may be the best unit on offense.