Ranking the Big Ten offensive lines heading in 2022
By Kyler Kregel
(8.) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Offensive Line coach: Brian Callahan (5th year)
Projected line-up: LT Aireontae Ersery, LG Axel Ruschmeyer, C John Michael Schmitz*, RG Chuck Filiaga, RT Quinn Carroll
Summary: Despite the hype surrounding Michigan football’s Oluwatimi, Schmitz returns as the best center in the Big Ten after a fantastic season last year.
The Gophers standing here is a bit of projection, as Schmitz is the only returning starter with significant experience. Ruschmeyer was the Gophers’ sixth OL in jumbo packages and then even got some spot starts due to some injuries.
Filiaga has spot started some games at Michigan (eight over three seasons), and Notre Dame transfer Quinn Carroll has reportedly flashed a lot in spring as the likely starting right tackle. Ersery is expected at left tackle, and has been groomed for the starting spot here for a couple of seasons now behind Andries.
Overall, the Gophers have had a very strong offensive line under P.J. Fleck, and given the mixture of veteran experience and pedigree and development of the remaining options, all signs seem to indicate that the Gophers are in line for another strong line.