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Louisiana struggled on the offensive line in 2022 due to the loss of multiple guys to the NFL as well as Florida with Billy Napier.
Now, they return multiple starters from a line that only gave up 24 sacks last season. Now up to 55 career starts of experience, this offensive line should be much improved in 2023.
Nathan Thomas
They started all 13 games at LT last season for the Cajuns and appeared in seven games the year before. He has a strong frame at 6’5″ and 328 pounds and will be a valuable anchor on the left side of the line to whoever ends up running the offense.
AJ Gillie
Gillie returns after being named an All-Sun Belt performer a year ago. He carries 25 games started over the latest two seasons into 2023 and is one of the better left guards in the conference. He stands 6’2″ and 321 pounds, but his footwork and strength make him a brick wall on the line.
Landon Burton
Burton is projected to be the center after playing in seven games last year. A Lafayette native and STM standout, he stands at 6’3″ and 298 pounds, which is the typical size for a center. Like Shane Vallot, I think Burton makes a name for himself in 2023 and has a very strong season.
Jax Harrington
Harrington has been with Louisiana since 2019 and was part of the 2020 line, a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award. Standing at 6’4″ and 323 pounds, Harrington is another local product from Erath. Having started 11 games last year, I think that experience pays off for Louisiana this season.
Quinton Williams
Williams is a surprise for me, but a player with a lot of talent. I expected McGowan or James Ohonba to be the projected starter here, but Williams has been impressive. Standing at 6’3″ and 302 pounds, he could have a strong season at the right tackle position for Michael Desormeaux.
Others to Watch
Mackey Maillho is a guy that has been with the program for the last few seasons and will look to get some much-needed reps in 2023. Matthew Broussard is a touted three-star prospect from Thibodaux that should make an impact in time along with Bryant Williams, the big LT from Grand Lake.