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Bell Can Succeed at Left Tackle

Carolina Crazy V2

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Carolina Crazy V2 Newbie

Carolina Crazy V2

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I initially posted this in another thread, but in the hopes of reaching a great number of Bell-doubters, I'll repost here. 

 

As someone who was a two-year starter at left tackle in high school and was recruited to play offensive tackle at several FCS schools, I can tell you that playing left tackle is completely different from playing right tackle. 

 

During the second half of my sophomore year, I made the position switch from tight end to right tackle and struggled in pass protection. I was beat inside more often than out and my coaches attributed this to lack of strength and dexterity of my left hand/arm. 

 

The following summer, due to the graduation of the starting left tackle, I switched to the left side and in my first season at the position, I was an All-Conference and All-County tackle. During the recruiting process, most schools wanted me to play defensive end, but those who recruited me as an offensive lineman were specific about their intentions to keep me on the left side. 

 

Playing on the right bookend felt unnatural to me; I was unable to get a good punch on defensive ends to prevent the inside rip and I was caught off balance by blitzers. On the left side, I was far more comfortable; I allowed two sacks to another All-Conference player in my first game at the position and only one for the remainder of my career. 

 

Reserve your criticism of Bell until he shows you what he can do on the left side. He might just surprise some of you. 

 

Edit: Gettleman isn't the only believer in "left tackle feet". I was told by two coaches that I had some of the best "left tackle feet" that they had seen on film that year. 

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LinvilleGorge Grand Master

LinvilleGorge

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Bell gets beat inside, outside, wherever. Bell just gets beat.  He just doesn't have the feet or the hands to start at OT in the NFL on either side.

 

I'm not reserving my criticism for Bell at LT.  I think if it happens it will be a complete fuging disaster.  However, if he ends up starting at LT, I hope like hell that I'm wrong and will have the chance to enjoy some delicious crow.

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SCP Enthusiast

SCP

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I played LG, RG, and C at the FCS level and switched sides with no problems. I'm right handed though. I can't even fap left handed. Tackle position is 85% about the foot work and and keeping your hips and shoulders square. Byron seems to stop his feet and turn his hips an awful lot. If you want to say that's because he's a southpaw then so be it. We shall see I suppose.

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Kuech the Sneak Newbie

Kuech the Sneak

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I played LG, RG, and C at the FCS level and switched sides with no problems. I'm right handed though. I can't even fap left handed.

I played every position on the oline but center, not at a high level though. In right handed but playing on the left side felt more natural to me

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Carolina Crazy V2 Newbie

Carolina Crazy V2

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I played LG, RG, and C at the FCS level and switched sides with no problems. I'm right handed though. I can't even fap left handed. Tackle position is 85% about the foot work and and keeping your hips and shoulders square. Byron seems to stop his feet and turn his hips an awful lot. If you want to say that's because he's a southpaw then so be it. We shall see I suppose.

 

I agree with you. I'm not predicting that Bell will be a great left tackle, but no one should pass judgement until they see him at game speed. 

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janderson20vt Enthusiast

janderson20vt

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It's the same sport, friend, but I can see that your eyes are glued shut. 

 

Nah, my eyes are wide open. It's clear Bell is just a below average stop gap in a rebuilding year until we draft a franchise LT.

 

Gettleman can't do but so much until those laughable Hurney contracts are off the books.

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