Anderson at right tackle (for now), Glenn at left tackle (probably for good), and more

The nitty-gritty from our interview with assistant coach Will Friend, who discussed the state of the offensive line after Trinton Sturdivant’s knee injury:

- Senior Justin Anderson is working first team at right tackle, with redshirt junior A.J. Harmon behind him. Friend also wants to take a look at redshirt sophomore Austin Long, who was having a good spring prior to getting hurt.

Still, it’s no guarantee that Anderson, who played last season on defense before getting turf toe, will end up at right tackle. Anderson admitted he was still feeling “rusty” on the line.

“He may be that (starter) at guard, he may be that at tackle,” Friend said of Anderson. “You gotta go with your best five.”

Friend didn’t want the situation at the guard spots to be overlooked. He indicated that sophomore Kenarious Gates and redshirt sophomore Chris Burnette are in good shape there, but Anderson could still be a factor there.

- Senior Cordy Glenn seems a good bet to start at left tackle. Glenn himself said he hadn’t been told anything, but said he was getting more comfortable in general at tackle. Friend basically indicated that Glenn would be the left tackle barring something unforeseen. But Friend also wants Glenn to lose some more weight.

“He could be a real good player,” Friend said. “And he’s gotta be good for us.”

- Brent Benedict has “a ways to go,” according to Friend. Benedict, a redshirt freshman, has been getting back from his own knee injury.

Of all the inexperienced linemen, Friend seemed the highest on Long.

“We’re counting on him, and he needs to come through,” Friend said.

- So could the incoming freshmen now be a factor with Sturdivant’s injury. Friend said the situation hadn’t changed.

“No matter what would happen there, if guys were ready to play, they were gonna play,” friend said.