Top Returning SEC Offensive Linemen For 2017


As usual, the SEC is littered with physical blockers who attract the attention of pro scouts, but who is the best returning offensive linemen entering the 2017 season?


Alabama’s Cam Robinson is gone. So is LSU’s Ethan Pocic and a swath of longtime standouts. But this is the SEC, a league that recruits and signs top-tier blockers as well as anyone in the country. The conference is once again flush in so much depth and NFL-caliber talent in the trenches that it’s a chore to settle on a top 5, which winds up excluding a handful of worthy contenders. The best offensive linemen in 2017? While there’s a good chance he’ll participate in this November’s Iron Bowl, the competition is too stiff to state with unwavering certainty.

Top Returning SEC Offensive Linemen

5. Martez Ivey, Florida

So far, Ivey has fulfilled expectations in Gainesville. This season, his third since leaving high school as a hotshot recruit, he’s looking to raise the bar higher. Ivey advertised his flexibility in 2016 by earning Second Team All-SEC at left guard, which is not his natural position. However, now that he’s moved to left tackle to succeed David Sharpe, the Gators feel their junior is ready to lead as well as dominate at the point of attack. With the NFL beginning to pay close attention, Ivey is ready to take flight in 2017.

4. Will Clapp, LSU

In his first two seasons as a left guard, Clapp was named Freshman All-American in 2015 and First Team All-SEC from league coaches in 2016. Now, he’s likely to shift inside to center to replace a fellow all-star, Ethan Pocic. Clapp is a multifaceted 6-5, 309-pound blocker, with the strength to open holes and the agility to protect the pocket. And after enduring shoulder problems as a sophomore, he’s itching to play an entire season pain-free.

3. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

If Ragnow can flourish in his first year at a tough new position, center, what will he do for an encore? The senior was outstanding after making the move from right guard, consistently creating space between the tackles for Razorback runners Rawleigh Williams and Devwah Whaley. Ragnow has excellent size for the position, 6-5 and 319 pounds, and he’s ready to attract more attention and accolades now that he’s had a full season to build a portfolio at the pivot.

2. Jonah Williams, Alabama

Bama always seems to house a superstar blocker. Now that Cam Robinson is off to the NFL, Williams is ready to take the baton in Tuscaloosa. He didn’t disappoint in his debut out of Folsom (Calif.) High School, starting all year as a Freshman All-American. Williams could remain at right tackle or switch sides to succeed Robinson. Either way, the sophomore’s blend of strength, aggression and athleticism will have him surging toward All-American recognition in 2017.

1. Braden Smith, Auburn

The Tigers ranked sixth nationally in rushing, while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Smith at right guard was a big reason for the success of the ground game in 2016. He’s physical and assertive at the point of attack, rarely losing man-to-man battles. And after landing on the All-SEC Second Team, Smith is ready to improve his individual profile, especially as the premier blocker of an Auburn attack that figures to steadily head north in 2017.

MORE: Top Returning Offensive Linemen For College Football In 2017