Top 10 offensive linemen to watch out for in Week 6 of college football ft. Donovan Jackson
Too often, offensive linemen catch blame, but not enough credit. They toil anonymously in the trenches of football, but some of them are worthy of a spotlight.
Here are ten of the top offensive linemen to watch in Week 6 (and note that many excellent linemen are off this week!)
Top 10 offensive linemen to watch for in Week 6
10. Jalen Rivers, Miami
Rivers is one of the best tackles in the ACC and probably the nation. The 6-foot-5 standout can secure the edge against even the strongest pass rushers. The kicker is he hasn't played since the opener for Miami. The Hurricanes have been a top-ten team without him -- get him back and start printing Playoff tickets.
Moreover, his return comes at the right time as the Canes take on Cal with GameDay in town.
9. Aireonte Ersery, Minnesota
Minnesota has struggled so far in 2024, but it's not Ersery's fault. The massive 6-foot-6 left tackle is a future NFL star. The Gophers aren't a top team at the skill positions, but Ersery will keep them competitive in the trenches.
8. Ajani Cornelius, Oregon
A transfer from Rhode Island, the 6-foot-5 Cornelius is agile and talented. Oregon has scored 36.0 points per game and so far, the offensive line has allowed just seven sacks. Cornelius's experience and talent will only improve as the season continues.
7. Tyler Booker, Alabama
An outstanding junior, the 6-foot-5 Booker is a road grader at guard for the Tide. The Tide are averaging 47 points per game and Booker has a significant role. The Tide have averaged 7.7 yards per play and have allowed just six sacks on the season to date. Booker will look to help the Tide keep those numbers strong when they visit Vandy.
6. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Savaiinaea has been a standout right tackle, but injuries have forced him to move to left tackle at times. Where he plays, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle is an earth mover. He's also a big part of Arizona allowing just three sacks on the season.
5. Cooper Mays, Tennessee
One of the excellent interior offensive linemen in the sport, Mays has been big for the Vols. Tennessee leads the nation in scoring offense with 54.0 points per game. Mays has helped the Vols allow just six sacks on the year, and UT ballcarriers average 5.9 yards per carry.
4. Marcellus Marshall, UCF
The top rushing attack in the nation? That's actually Army, but among teams running modern offenses, it's UCF, with 326 yards per game on the ground. The 6-foot-5 Marshall starred at Kent State and has been significant for the Knights.
3. Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State
OK State has been something of a disappointment, but the offensive line hasn't been the problem. OSU has allowed just one sack so far this season. The running game has struggled, but the Cowboys will likely to continue to improve as the veteran Cooper gets more comfortable.
2. Jordan Williams, Georgia Tech
Tech somehow has not allowed a single QB sack in 150 pass attempts. The 6-foot-6 Williams is a standout tackle who has loads of experience and next-level talent. If Tech can keep overachieving, it's safe to figure Williams is in the middle of it.
1. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Ohio State keeps on rolling along and Jackson has long been a dominating force for the Buckeyes. Ohio State's 48.8 points per game, 227 rushing yards per game and only three sacks allowed on the year tells the story. The 6-foot-4 Jackson is an interior standout and one of the nation's top offensive linemen. He will be one of OSU's key players in their crucial matchup against the Hawkeyes.
Which offensive linemen will you be watching in Week 6? Share your thoughts and opinions below.