OSU Players to Watch, Day 7: Lane Taylor

Oklahoma Sports brings you the seventh day in a 15-part series detailing the players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:30 am

By: News On 6


Originally Published: Feb 21, 2010 3:50 PM CDT

More on Oklahoma Sports...
- OU Player to Watch:
- TU Player to Watch: John Flanders



Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OL Lane Taylor

Background:

Lane Taylor was only a two-star recruit coming out of Martin High School in Arlington, Texas and after redshirting in 2008 proved himself in 2009. Taylor played in 11 games and was the only non-senior listed on the final depth chart on the offensive line for Oklahoma State. As a senior at Martin, Taylor was named an all-district player and an all-state honorable mention in Class 5A, the biggest class in Texas.

Why He’s on the List:

Listed at 6-foot-2-inches 301-pounds, Taylor is a big body that is perfect to dominate defensive linemen on run blocking, and take up space in the pass-blocking scheme. Taylor was the youngest member of the starting offensive line in 2009, earning a starting spot as a redshirt freshman. The Cowboys are losing four starters on the offensive line, and an experienced leader will be key for a new offensive line to gel and perform early.

Best Case Scenario:

Taylor can become not only the experienced leader on the offensive line, but the anchor for years to come. In a pass-heavy offense, the offensive line is one of the most integral portions, giving the quarterback time to make reads and the receivers time to get free. Taylor needs to be a stable presence in for a group that needs to come together early.

Worst Case Scenario:

If Taylor doesn’t pan out for OSU the offensive line will have no starting experience and have to start from scratch. One of the biggest factors for an offensive line is in-game experience, and with little to no time reading defensive schemes, the offensive line will have trouble diagnosing defenses. A decrease in effectiveness on the offensive line has a trickle-down effect in all aspects of the game, especially the passing offense, and could hold up any development the offense will have.

My Take:

If Taylor was good enough to grab a starting spot as a redshirt freshman, there is no reason he shouldn’t be able to lead a group of young linemen. It will be big for the offensive line’s confidence to have Washington State and Troy to open the season. The young group will benefit greatly from playing what many consider lesser teams. On the same token, if the new Oklahoma State offensive line has trouble in the opening weeks, it will be a long season for the Cowboys’ offense.

Other OSU players to watch (click the names below to read full stories)
- Day 1: LB Orie Lemon
- Day 2: S Markelle Martin
- Day 3: RB Jeremy Smith
- Day 4: TE Wilson Youman
- Day 5: S/Ret Johnny Thomas
- Day 6: QB Johnny Deaton

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