The Minnesota Golden Gophers have tried to fix their offensive line by using the transfer portal. After last year’s mixed results with several new faces, they’ve decided to focus on quality instead of quantity this time.
This year, their only addition is Bennett Warren from Tennessee. The coaching staff hopes he’ll be the answer to their struggles up front.
Four offensive line spots return experienced players, so all eyes are on Warren. Can he live up to the hype and anchor the line? That’s what everyone’s wondering now.
Quality Over Quantity: Minnesota’s New Strategy
Last offseason, Minnesota grabbed three offensive linemen from the portal. This year, though, they’ve gone in a different direction and picked up just one big name: Bennett Warren.
Warren, a consensus four-star prospect from Fort Bend Christian Academy in Houston, Texas, was ranked 140th in the 2024 class by the 247Sports Composite. Expectations are high, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited about what he might bring.
Bennett Warren’s Background and Potential
Warren’s path to Minnesota shows steady growth and promise. He played 40 snaps as a true freshman in 2024, then redshirted to save a year of eligibility.
Last season, he saw more action with 162 snaps, mostly on special teams. He hasn’t started a college game yet, but he’s the favorite to step in for Dylan Ray at right tackle.
At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Warren has the size you want. His high school honors and college experience only add to the intrigue.
Challenges and Expectations for the Offensive Line
With Dylan Ray and Marcellus Marshall gone, Minnesota needs to replace almost 1,400 snaps from last year’s line. Luckily, Nathan Roy at left tackle, Greg Johnson at left guard, Ashton Beers at center, and Tony Nelson at right guard are all back.
But Warren’s performance at right tackle will be a huge piece of the puzzle. If he can’t settle in quickly, things could get dicey.
The Importance of Experience and Patience
Last year’s transfer class is a reminder that new linemen often need time to adjust. Kahlee Tafai, a former Washington transfer, played just 36 snaps before moving on to California.
Marcellus Marshall, another transfer, lost his starting job to Tony Nelson. These cases show that patience matters when you’re working in new talent up front.
Other Key Players and Depth Concerns
Warren might be the headline, but others will have to step up too. Jaden Ball, a former Purdue transfer, brings some experience, though he hasn’t played a snap at tackle.
Kaveon Lee and DJ Shipp have flashed potential, but neither has played an offensive snap in college. That lack of depth at tackle puts even more pressure on Warren to deliver right away.
Projecting the Starting Lineup
The likely starting lineup mixes veterans and newcomers. Nathan Roy should lock down left tackle, with Greg Johnson at left guard, Ashton Beers at center, and Tony Nelson at right guard.
Warren’s expected to take the right tackle spot, but how quickly he adapts is anyone’s guess. The coaches have to get this group working together fast if the offense is going to hum.
The Road Ahead for Minnesota’s Offensive Line
As the season approaches, everyone’s watching to see if this new-look line can pull it together. Minnesota’s gamble on quality over quantity—especially with Warren—feels risky, but maybe that’s what they need.
If Warren steps up and the veterans hold steady, the line could surprise people. Still, the thin depth at a couple of spots is hard to ignore. We’ll see if this approach pays off.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s choice to chase quality over quantity for their offensive line is gutsy. Adding Bennett Warren, a big-name transfer, brings a lot of hope—and, honestly, a fair bit of pressure.
It really comes down to how well Warren fits in and whether the whole line can work together. The Gophers have some experienced players coming back, plus a few new faces with potential.
People will definitely be watching Warren to see if he can hold things down and help Minnesota push for their goals. For more detailed insights and updates on Minnesota’s offensive line, visit the source article.
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