2012 College Football Postion Rankings: Top 5 Offensive Lineman

2012 College Football Postion Rankings – Top 5 Offensive Lineman: Although constantly overlooked, offensive linemen are perhaps the most important players on the offensive side of the ball. A strong offensive line can control the game and make mediocre skill position players look like stars. In contrast, the fastest running back and most-skilled quarterback are nothing without running lanes and time in the pocket. The big guys in the trenches may never be fan favorites, but they will always be the foundation of a successful offense. Here is a look at some of the top offensive linemen in college football for the upcoming season.

2012 College Football Postion Rankings: Top 5 Offensive Lineman

1.      Barrett Jones, Center, Alabama Crimson Tide

Considering he won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best offensive lineman last season while playing left tackle, it is safe to say Jones can play just about anywhere on the offensive line and dominate. He unselfishly made the move to center this year because of a team need, but he will still thrive as the anchor of one of the best offensive lines in the country. As they try to defend their title, Alabama will once again rely heavily on the ground game. Jones will be sealing off running lanes at the point of attack all season long.

2.      Alex Hurst, Tackle, LSU Tigers

Hurst is a giant of a man with a mean streak that is perfect for an offensive lineman in the always-tough SEC. The Tigers like to run the ball down the throats of opponents from start to finish, and the size and strength of Hurst takes its toll on opposing defensive fronts. With a four-headed monster at running back, LSU will be pounding away with the run all season. Hurst is the type of player that will take pleasure in punishing opposing defenses as much as the running backs will.

3.      Chance Warmack, Guard, Alabama Crimson Tide

Guards are often overlooked members of offensive lines, but Warmack is an exception. The 320-pound mauler is widely considered the top player at his position in the country, and the senior has been the pillar of consistency for the Crimson Tide. Warmack has the strength to overpower opposing defensive linemen, but he is also agile enough to be effective on sweeps and counter plays. In short, he is the total package at the guard spot.

4.      Luke Joeckel, Tackle, Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M has really evolved as an offensive power in recent years, and while players like Ryan Tannehill and Cyrus Gray got a lot of the attention, it is no coincidence that the success started when Joeckel came to town. He has the size and strength of a typical tackle, but it is his abnormal athleticism that sets him apart. Joeckel has unusual speed and quickness for his position, which allows Texas A&M to run some unique packages. It should also allow Joeckel to continue to be one of the best in the country, even when facing all the speedy defenders in the SEC for the first time.

5.      Ricky Wagner, Tackle, Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin had one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country last year, and running back Montee Ball led the nation in yards and touchdowns. Wagner anchored the left tackle spot all year for the high-powered Badgers’ attack, and he is continuing the program’s tradition of having dominant players at the position. Wagner is big, strong and experienced. He protects whoever is under center, and he opens plenty of running lanes for Ball and company. Wagner isn’t the flashiest player, but he is as tough and reliable as they come.

Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Football season for daily Hesiman Trophy Odds and Vegas College Football Lines plus daily updated BCS National Championship Futures Odds and 2012 College Bowl Game Odds. Also be sure to get Free 2012 College Football Picks weekly from the nation’s top College Football handicappers only on NSAwins.com!