With five starters returning from the 2007 season, the offensive line is ready to play a major role in the new spread attack offense brought in by Tony Franklin.

After learning a completely new offense in just nine practices, Auburn's offensive line surprised everyone with their impressive outing in the Chic-fil-A Bowl. Most fans were expecting a lot of penalties and mistakes against a speedy and talented Clemson defense. Instead, the line committed just a few false start penalties and protected the quarterback by allowing only one sack in a game that went into overtime. The line was also calm and confident when the new offense looked like total chaos during the game. While at the line of scrimmage in the no-huddle attack, they were constantly standing and facing the sideline to see what play was being called. Not once did they lose focus or look flustered when the game was on the line. The outstanding performance in the bowl game can be credited to line coach Hugh Nall and a group of linemen that made major strides during the 2007 season. With plenty of experience and depth returning in 2008, the offensive line has the potential to be one of the best in Auburn's history. Jason Bosley (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Nall is looking forward to having senior Jason Bosley start at center for the second consecutive season. Bosley isn't the line's most talented player, he's the steady leader of a relatively young group. He has taken on additional duties required of a center in the spread offense and will be asked to be a mentor to his backups Ryan Pugh and Mike Berry. While Pugh waits his turn to start at center once Bosley graduates, he's expected to start at right tackle this year after sharing duties at left tackle last year with King Dunlap. Don't be surprised if Berry starts instead of Pugh since he has more size. The starter at right guard is yet to be decided after Chaz Ramsey missed most of spring with a back injury that required surgery. As a true freshman last season, Ramsey was named the starter in the fourth game and kept the job for the rest of the season. If Ramsey is still hampered by his back, look for Byron Isom to get the nod. Last season, Isom didn't see much playing time as a redshirt freshman, but he showed much improvement in the spring. Lee Ziemba (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Lee Ziemba started every game last year at right tackle as a true freshman. After being highly recruited as a senior in high school, he lived up to the hype as an impressive pass blocker who got better each week. This year, he'll move over to left tackle to protect the quarterback's blind side. Senior Tyronne Green is the starter at left guard again after a solid 2007 season. Green is a physical blocker who has the chance to be all-SEC. When the offense needs to grind out tough yards, he'll be the one leading the way. Auburn's tight ends were mainly used as blockers in the old West Coast offense last season. In the new spread attack, they will still be counted on to block, but will get more opportunities to be big targets for the quarterbacks. Tommy Trott (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Junior Tommy Trott looked good in the spring after dropping back down to a smaller weight. Last year, Trott caught only four passes and was used mostly as a blocker. He was one of the stars in the spring and should be a bigger part of the offense after getting in better shape. Behind Trott is junior Gabe McKenzie, who struggled with the new offense in the spring. McKenzie is a great blocker and a great athlete who can be a weapon if he improves on his consistency during preseason practice. Phil Marion Coming next week: Defensive Line Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs