Houston Football: Two-deep 2017 depth chart projection
By Zach Bigalke
Offensive Line
Starting tackles: Josh Jones (LT), Braylon Jones (RT)
Backups: Jarrid Williams, Na’Ty Rodgers
As a redshirt freshman, left tackle Josh Jones was the only player on the offensive line to start all 13 games last year. He will protect the blindside of whichever quarterback takes over at starter for Greg Ward Jr. On the other side of the line, Braylon Jones looks ready to take over full time at right tackle after starting five games as a true freshman in 2016. The pair are the likeliest starters, though backups Jarrid Williams and Na’Ty Rodgers will see the field on plenty of snaps.
Starting center: Will Noble
Backup: Ryan Deshotel
Other than the UCF game, which he missed with a minor injury, Will Noble locked down the center position last year. He was a freshman All-America selection in 2015 after starting eight games. He is going to be a mainstay again for Applewhite. His backup, redshirt sophomore Ryan Deshotel, saw limited action in five games last year. Barring injury, he will only see spot action again in 2017.
Starting guards: Mason Denley (LG), Marcus Oliver (RG)
Backups: Kameron Eloph, Alex Fontana
At the end of last season, Mason Denley and Marcus Oliver locked down their starting positions at left guard and right guard respectively. Denley is a redshirt junior who also earned six starts in 2015. Oliver is a senior who is now a four-year contributor to the line.
Alex Fontana, a junior college transfer, also has starting experience after earning five starts last season in his first year with the team. He will also see playing time along with junior Kameron Eloph, who also has eight starts to his credit.