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We continue this preseason seriers with the second lineman on our list of most important players for the 2019 season. Guard/center Colby Pursell was #16, and now we have offensive tackle William Sherman at #15.
Sherman, like Pursell, will be a sophomore starting in his second season. He was a highly touted recruit from Allen High School (shoutout to Jon Woods) and was ready to start after a redshirt year. On an otherwise unspectacular offensive line, Sherman was solid in his nine starts, pretty good for a freshman.
Sherman has reportedly entrenched himself at tackle as he had a strong offseason and performed well in the Spring game. He was assumed to the started at left tackle, but Arlington Hambright came from Oklahoma State as a graduate transfer. Hambright is more experienced and should probably start there, which would move Sherman to the right side.
Fortunately, Sherman is quite capable on either side. Though the blind side is vital to a team’s success — Hambright will appear later in the countdown — Sherman will be counted on quite a bit, both in the run game and passing game.
Colorado has more talent on the line than they did last year, as well as more experience and (hopefully) better health. It should help too that Mel Tucker has emphasized strength and conditioning, and he has brought in OL coach Chris Kalipovic, who is a huge upgrade from Gary Bernardi.
This team is counting on the line to improve. It doesn’t matter how good the receiving corps is if Steven Montez doesn’t have time to throw. The young running backs need all the help they can get, and though Jay Johnson’s offense will be friendlier to the backs, improved line play would be crucial.
Sherman emerging as a stalwart at either tackle spot would be a boon. He’s going to be a stud at some point — we’re just hoping that happens early in career, while CU still has Laviska Shenault, Jr. and other talented weapons.
Most Important Buffaloes:
20. Tony Brown, WR
19. Jalen Harris, TE
17. Mark Perry, S
15. William Sherman, OT