While some big names, such as Sedrick Van Pran, Beaux Limmer, and Layden Robinson, are off to greener pastures, several more return to their teams this season. Where do players like Tate Ratledge, Parker Brailsford, and Jake Slaughter land in the 2024 SEC iOL Rankings?
SEC 2024 IOL Rankings
10) Javontez Spraggins, G, Tennessee Volunteers
A mainstay on Tennessee’s offensive line, Javonte Spraggins has started 25 consecutive games over the last three seasons. However, he took his game to new heights last year, serving as a 6’3″, 325-pound bowling ball in the ground game and a barricade in pass protection.
Spraggins’ improvement helped the Vols finish as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award for the first time in school history. A repeat performance will only vault him further up the list.
9) Miles Frazier, G, LSU Tigers
Miles Frazier began his collegiate career as a left tackle at FIU before transferring to LSU and starting at left guard (2022) and right guard (2023). He carries his 6’6″ and 328-pound frame well and uses his long arms to stall out rush attempts with ease.
Despite his movement ability, Frazier is at his best in a phone booth as a run blocker, using his size to devasting effect.
8) Jaeden Roberts, G, Alabama Crimson Tide
Jaeden Roberts is a rocked-up 6’5″ and 315 pounds and is coming off his first season with significant snaps. He’s a people mover in the ground game with the physical tools and mentality to pave lanes. And he’s no slouch in pass pro, even with Jalen Milroe making life a bit more difficult for his front five.
7) Connor Tollison, C, Missouri Tigers
In 2022, Connor Tollison was a weak link on the interior. In 2023, he was the driving force of Missouri’s inside running game. He still has work to do as a pass blocker, but his effectiveness from the pivot as a run blocker can’t be understated.
MORE: 2024 SEC Power Rankings
If Tollison continues his development on passing downs, he could push for a top-five spot in the 2024 SEC iOL Rankings.
6) Tyler Booker, G, Alabama Crimson Tide
Joining the Crimson Tide as a five-star recruit in 2022, Tyler Booker saw immediate success in limited action at left and right guard. His pass protection numbers took a hit as a full-time LG in 2023, but he vastly improved as a run blocker. Now listed at 6’5″ and 352 pounds, it’s going to be difficult for any D-lineman to get past him.
5) Garrett Dellinger, G, LSU Tigers
Garrett Dellinger has seen at least a couple dozen reps at every offensive line position other than right tackle, a testament to his versatility. He settled in as the starting left guard last season and helped lead the Tigers to a finalist finish for the Joe Moore Award.
Emery Jones and Will Campbell receive the most attention upfront — rightfully so — but Dellinger is a stalwart on the interior.
4) Dylan Fairchild and Micah Morris, G, Georgia
Tate Ratledge is Georgia’s top interior lineman, but the guard starting opposite him also deserves attention. Dylan Fairchild owns that honor, but Micah Morris also saw significant snaps at LG and is slated to be a backup tackle this season. Neither allowed a sack and rarely conceded pressures, keeping Carson Beck’s jersey clean.
3) Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
Following head coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, Parker Brailsford is primed for another successful season. He’s listed at 6’2″ and 275 pounds, and bulkier defensive tackles can give him problems. Yet, he is entering his redshirt sophomore season and should add weight as the offseason gets into full swing.
Brailsford’s ability to operate in space is his trademark, and his elite athleticism allows him to recover quickly in pass protection.
2) Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Mobile and powerful, Jake Slaughter brings his last name to life as a run blocker. He has the explosiveness and agility to replace and reach across face on zone blocks. At 6’5″, maintaining leverage is key to his success, but he’s already proven to be impressive in all phases as a first-year starter in 2023.
1) Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia Bulldogs
Tate Ratledge isn’t just the best pass protector in the SEC; he’s the best pass protector in the nation. When evaluating his game, you can go games without finding a pressure allowed. And even then, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a game with multiple pass protection losses.
KEEP READING: 2024 SEC QB Rankings
While Ratledge won’t wow as a run blocker, he’s more than serviceable, taking good angles at the second level and using his suffocating grip strength to ride defenders out of the way.
2024 SEC IOL Rankings | 11-20
11) Ethan Miner, C, Mississippi State
12) Cam’Ron Johnson, G, Missouri
13) Steven Losoya, G, Vanderbilt
14) Nick Gargiulo, C, South Carolina
15) Jacoby Jackson, Mississippi State
16) Dorian Hinton and Armaj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M
17) Nate Kalepo, G, Ole Miss
18) Torricelli Simpkins III and Kamaar Bell, OL, South Carolina
19) Febechi Nwaiwu, G, Oklahoma
20) Caleb Warren and Julius Buelow, OL, Ole Miss
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