OL Battle

Two weeks ago I would've said that all the starting spots on the offensive line were up for grabs, but after the two recent signings of former All-Arena Arizona Rattlers, I'd say that the race is pretty much determined.

Christian Johnson helped protect the Soul's new starting quarterback Dan Raudabaugh last season with the now defunct Dallas Vigilantes, so that familiarity will certainly help his cause.

Brennan Carvalho and Devin Clark were signed within days of each other which basically cemented the starting lineup in my eyes. Both received Second Team All-Arena honors for their play in 2011 with the Rattlers and are welcomed additions to an offensive line unit that needed an upgrade.

Though Johnson does not possess any accolades, he's performance last season should earn him the starting nod over the rest remaining starting offensive lineman candidates. Johnson appeared and started in 15 of the team's 18 games last season for the Vigilantes while allowing only one sack in the process. The three combined started a total of 58 games last season including the playoffs. That's 16 for Johnson and 21 for Carvalho and Clark apiece; that's a good deal of experience to have on a team at such a position.

Zipp Duncan also played with Johnson last season with the Vigilantes, but he only appeared in one game. His size is probably his biggest upside being listed as 6'5", 320 pounds. Fellow teammate Nyere Aumaitre is also listed exactly as Duncan, but he started and appeared in 14 games for the Soul last season giving him the edge in experience. In all honesty though, with how the Soul's offensive line performed last season, I wouldn't consider that a huge upside for Aumaitre.

Then you have the former Temple Owl, Jeremy Schonbrunner, who brings the hometown draw with him. Considering that Carvalho is listed as 6'1", 300 pounds I would say that Schonbrunner can still impress this coaching staff even though he's a bit shorter than his competition at 6'3" and 305 pounds.

Three other players; Jeffery Fitzgerald, Reggie Paramoure and Kiano Prater can all play either OL/DL which brings intrigue just because of their dual capabilities. Prater's a rookie, but Fitzgerald and Paramoure both play significant time in the AFL last season. Fitzgerald appeared in 15 games while starting 10 of those for the Soul and Paramoure appeared in 14 games while starting 13 of those for the Tulsa Talons. Both have shown productivity when called upon to play, so it'll be interesting to see how much draw their double positions brings to this coaching staff.