The 2021 football season is right around the corner for the UCF Knights. It’s a new era with head coach Gus Malzahn running the show, With a new season comes new expectations. Today, we’re going to look at the offensive line.

A senior laden group could spell trouble in 2022

But then again, it might not.

Conventionally, this would be a red flag for the position group next year, but it’s hard to predict what players will do with their extra eligibility. Marcus Tatum, Cole Schneider, Sam Jackson, and Josh McMullen are all redshirt seniors who see plenty of game time. Brett Bell has also been a contributor as well. In the cases of Tatum and McMullen, they’re taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility in 2021.

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The young guys can play too

As noted above, this group is stacked, but that talent and experience is not only for the older players. Redshirt sophomore Matthew Lee anchors the line as the starting center. He was named first team all-conference by the American Athletic Conference and was a freshman All-American per The Athletic. Junior Lokahi Pauole also played a major role, garnering honorable mention all-conference by the American. One player I want to see more of is sophomore Paul Rubelt, a 6ft10 330lbs monster from Germany. Rubelt bulked up from last year, but his towering height makes him a unique draw.

Photo by Conor Kvatek/Collegiate Images/Getty Images

The line is anything but offensive

This is meant as a compliment. The line is stacked in both talent and experience. It is common to see an offensive line rotate players in and out to keep them fresh and also based on situational plays. As a result, many players on the line have seen game action. By blending younger and older players, there is good hope for sustained success. Without a strong offensive line, the rest of the offense won’t click.