After covering all the “flashy” positions, it’s time to go in the trenches. We all have heard of the old saying, “ The game is won in the trenches.” , and that saying is so true. The Gators have had a solid line the past couple of seasons, which has resulted in the Gators being the best team in college football 3 times in the past 4 seasons. Gators Sports Nation will begin its’ preview of the trenches, starting with the Left Tackle. I’m sure not all of you really care too much, or have even bothered to learn more about the Gators’ line, but Gators Sports Nation will give you a closer look and I hope to give you a better understanding of the big guys up front.

The starting Left Tackle for the Gators is Junior Carl Johnson. Standing at 6’6”, 342lbs, Johnson is a strong tackle that has been solid in his career. Last season, he played in every game, and started 8 of the games, including the SEC Championship and National Championship. His season-best performance came against South Carolina, where he earned Champions’ Club honors. Despite his terrific play on the field, Johnson has been involved in off the field altercations. He was arrested and charged with violating a domestic violence restraining order. Hopefully Johnson can avoid any further punishment, and focus on dominating in 2009. As the biggest started on the line, Johnson is moving from Left Guard to Left Tackle, replacing Phil Trautwein.

Behind the big Carl Johnson, stands Matt Patchan. The 6’6” Sophomore is one of the more interesting players on the offensive line. Last season, he was a defensive tackle, and played in 11 of the games last season. In 2009, he will be flipping sides, and moving back to his old position on the offensive line. Coming out of high school, Patchan was a highly touted offensive line prospect. The decision to go back to his old position will be the best for himself, and also for the Florida Gators. As a backup, Patchan may not see a ton of action, but he can certainly learn from Carl Johnson, and prepare himself in case anything happens.

I know that these upcoming previews will not be as exciting as the past previews, but they are still an important part for the team. They may not be the spectacular, flashy playmakers that we all love, but they are the guys that give Tim Tebow and the rest of the Gators high powered offense the support and blocks to make all the exciting plays that we all love. Stay tuned to Gators Sports Nation for tomorrow’s preview of the Left Guards.