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Matt Hennessy at the center of a deeper group | Temple offensive line preview

Last year the offensive line was plagued by injuries, but there appears to be more depth this year.

Matt Hennessy, 58, (OL) lines up during practice at Temple University Edberg Olson Hall, Philadelphia. Tuesday, March 20, 2018. JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer
Matt Hennessy, 58, (OL) lines up during practice at Temple University Edberg Olson Hall, Philadelphia. Tuesday, March 20, 2018. JOSE F. MORENO / Staff PhotographerRead moreJose F. Moreno

Check back here for position-by-position breakdowns of Temple's depth chart leading up to the start of the 2018 season.

Previously, we previewed the quarterbacksdefensive linemenlinebackerswide receivers and tight endsrunning backs, defensive backs and special teams. Here is a look at Owls offensive line:

Matt Hennessy

6-4, 295 R-So., Bardonia, N.Y.

Already he is Temple's best offensive lineman, who started 12 games last year, missing one due to illness. In the spring, he also worked out at guard and tackle, but center is his best position, where he makes the line calls, directing the line. He combines strength and intelligence and is on the Rimington watch list for the top centers in the country for the second straight year.

Jovahn Fair

6-2, 300, R-Jr., Akron, Ohio

Last season, he started the first three games at left guard before suffering an injury that forced him to miss the next seven games. He appeared as a reserve in the first two games upon his return before starting in Temple's bowl win over Florida International. A former wrestling standout, Fair credits the sport for helping him as an offensive lineman in one-on-one battles.

Vincent Picozzi

6-4, 295, R-So., Collegeville, Pa.

A former walk-on who didn't take long to earn a scholarship, Picozzi was the main replacement when Fair was injured, starting six games at left guard. He is another player who has worked out at all the offensive line positions, including center. A Lansdale Catholic graduate, Picozzi will be in the mix for one of the starting guard spots

Jaelin Robinson

6-5, 325, R-Sr., West Haven, Conn.

Even though Robinson has appeared in 27 career games, he has made just one start, last year against Army. He only played one year of high school football, so he is still developing. A former basketball player, he has excellent feet and strength, and is just looking for more consistency. Robinson is the favorite to start at right tackle.

James McHale

6-6, 295, R-Sr., Dunmore, Pa.

McHale probably made more strides than any Temple offensive lineman last season. Due to injuries, he didn't make his first career start at left tackle during the eighth game of the season at Army. He made three starts and then appeared in the final three games as a reserve. McHale is a major candidate for the left tackle job this season.

Darian Bryant

6-5, 320, R-So., Philadelphia

After redshirting in 2016, Bryant didn't see action last season. He remains highly regarded and should contend for playing time. He could play guard or tackle and is looking for more consistency.

J.D. Gomez

6-6, 295, So., Miami, Fla.

After one season at ASA College, a junior college in Hialeah, Fla., Gomez enrolled at Temple in January and took part in spring practice. Tackle is his best position, but can move inside. Coach Geoff Collins says he has been impressed with how quickly Gomez has learned the system.

Isaac Moore

6-7, 305, Fr., Orebro, Sweden

A January enrollee, Moore took part in spring practice. The coaches have worked on refining his technique, but he is big, moves well and is projected as a starter at some time in his career. Due to injuries in camp, he had received some first-team reps. Like many of the linemen, he can play tackle or guard, but tackle appears to be his better position.

Adam Klein

6-5, 264 Fr., Springfield, Pa.

The Episcopal Academy product joined summer workouts in late June but has made great stride and had some first- and second-team reps in camp due to injury. He is listed at 264 pounds, but is closer to 290 because of his work in the weight room. The coaches have raved about his football IQ and ability to pick things up quickly. He has seen most of his action in camp at right tackle and is considered a future starter.

Aaron Ruff

6-3, 300, R-Sr., Philadelphia.

The former player at Imhotep hasn't received much playing time in his career, appearing in 12 games, all as a reserve. All indications are he has had a strong camp and could figure into the mix.