College centers to watch in 2012

Alabama's Barrett Jones

After Nick Hardwick was re-signed to a three-year deal this offseason, the San Diego Chargers don’t appear to be in great need of finding a starting center of the future. Still, anything can happen, which Hardwick learned after seeing left guard Kris Dielman retire prematurely this offseason due to a terrifying concussion sustained last October. Meanwhile, neither Colin Baxter nor David Molk, the two youngsters vying to back Hardwick up this year, is exactly a shoo-in to replace Hardwick when he does decide to retire. With all that in mind, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith may want to monitor the progress the following prospects make this fall.

1.      Alabama’s Barrett Jones: If versatility is what you like in an offensive lineman, then this 6-5, 302-pound is your man. In 2010 he was named an All-American as a guard. Then, last season, he made the All-America team as an offensive tackle. Now, in 2012, he’s attempting to complete the trifecta by being named an All-American as a center. He also won the Outland Trophy last season.

2.      USC’s Khaled Holmes: A 6-4, 305-pound senior, he has experience starting at both center and guard thus far in his college career. Considered to have a nice mixture of agility and power, he’s expected to be one of the top centers in the nation. He made All-PAC-12 second team last season.

3.      Clemson’s Dalton Freeman: At 6-5, 285 pounds he needs to put on some weight and bulk up, but he’s considered one of the top centers in the nation, as evidenced by the fact he was a finalist for the Rimington Award last year. Quite a challenge is on the horizon for him, however, as he heads into this campaign as the only senior on the Tigers’ starting offensive line. He has started 36 games during his college career.

4.      Oklahoma center/guard Gabe Ikard: A 6-4, 295-pound junior, he’s heading into his third season as a starter. After coming to Norman as a tight end, he was switched to guard, a position he played for the entire 2010 season and half of last year. He started at center for half of last season and will play there this fall. He was a first-team All-Big 12 choice in 2011.

5.      Illinois’ Graham Pocic: Entering his third season as the starting center, this 6-7, 310-pound senior was named the Illini’s Offensive MVP for this past spring’s practices. With his tremendous ability and size, it is believed he will be a success in the NFL.

6.      Louisville’s Mario Benavides:  This 6-4, 280-pound senior has started 34 games for the Cardinals. Although he’s definitely light for the position, experts believe he’ll be the top offensive lineman this season.

7.      Colorado State’s Weston Richburg: A quarterback in high school, this 6-4, 297-pound junior has made a surprisingly smooth transition to the offensive line, as evidenced with his 24 starts in two seasons at center. He made second-team All-Mountain West last season.

8.      Arkansas’ Travis Swanson: A 6-5, 305-pound junior, Swanson has started 26 games for the Razorbacks. He’s on the Rimington Watch List for a second consecutive season.

 

If something career-threatening should happen to Hardwick this season, Smith will have the option of selecting one of these talents next April. With other, more-pressing needs, however, let’s hope Hardwick will still be the Chargers’ center in 2013 and a few years beyond.