Four Michigan linemen make Outland Trophy Watch List

The Michigan offensive line improved in 2018, and now the line has experience that could translate into the unit being one of the best in the nation this season.

That potential was reflected today when four along the front made the Outland Trophy Watch List, which goes to the best offensive lineman in college football.

Guard Ben Bredeson, guard Michael Onwenu, tackle Jon Runyan, and center Cesar Ruiz are the four from the line selected to the watch list.

Ruiz, Runyan, Onwenu, and Bredeson all started in 13 games last season and will have a major say in how Michigan’s offense performs in 2019. Games will always be won and lost in the trenches, and this year will be no exception.

Michigan and Oregon are the only teams with 4 players selected to the watch list.

Michigan’s improved o-line is due in part to offensive line coach Ed Warinner, who came in last season and simplified the learning curve in a way where the offensive line was able to digest the information better. However, Michigan will be running a lot more RPO and spread in 2019, so it’ll be interesting to see how the o-line adjusts to the new schematics.

“He’s (Warinner) done a lot, especially in development of my technique and stuff,” Bredeson said at Big Ten Media Days. “He’s a great coach, and I’m a big fan that he’s over there with us. He’s helped me a lot personally, with my development as a football player. I love having him here.”

For the full list click here.