My high level assessment of OL of last 5 years... Frey was like a "demi-God" initially with his UM credentials. Think we had some very good years, but it "seems" like there was a drop off near the end, and he goes back to UM.
Feel like we topped out in Spriggs Sr year as best overall line. The next year Feeney's Sr. year, had some injuries and good, but far from great Oline play. Then last year, big drop in Hiller's year 1, but seemed like a fairly depleted Oline group, no seniors, no massive bodies, and was the weak link of the offense this year. If Hiller is known as a "teacher more than recruiter" than I'm not sure I saw steady improvement over the season. But like others, to be fair, I think watching how THIS season ahead goes is more accurate/fair, given everyone will have a year under their belts, should be bigger, stronger, know system, and have depth ready to play too. That's TBD, but I'm bullish.
I'd like to see: Caleb Jones own one tackle spot, ideally Baker own the second - have two big bodied tackles. Move Knight to Center for his senior year (allowing as someone shared - Crider to RS one season & be starter the next) then have Martin at one G and move Cronk to the other. Get the best, oldest, O-line on the field and have a lot of people who have played on 2nd unit who can get some playing time as well for fresher line overall. (Stepaniak, Littlejohn, Nworah.)
Hoping the 2 freshman go immediate for RS. And that among all of those young, big offensive lineman we have on the team, some of them truly step up and be ready to play if needed next year. I'm talking about Tyler Knight, Ryan Smith, Grayson Stover and another large man that hasn't broken out yet: Davondre Love. Britt Beery is also 6'7, but he's got to get bigger. Think he's another year away from being potential starting tackle material.
If Hiller can get the big uglies playing serious ball, it's amazing how well then the QB, RB's and WR's start looking! Think we have talent, but as we saw against the OSU/Wiscy/PSUs...you have to be able to win in the trenches!