The offensive line gelled at the end of the season to lead the Gators to their second national championship in three years. Phil Trautwein, Jason Watkins, Mike Pouncey, Maurkice Pouncey, and Carl Johnson made up the stellar line that allowed Tim Tebow and company to break out in the second half of the season. None of these guys were dominant as individual lineman as compared to an Andre Smith or Michael Oher, but they were great as a unit and every guy knew their responsibilities. The line lost two starters in Watkins and Trautwein, and were the only other unit to lose any starters from last year’s team other than the wide receivers (Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy).

This year we know we will get consistent solid play from the Pouncey twins and Carl Johnson. The Pouncey twins are physical specimens at six foot five, 320 pounds (Maurkice is technically listed at 318). Carl Johnson has faced off the field problems, but has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. He is a complete man-child at six foot five 342 pounds. Johnson has only eight career starts, but proved his value down the stretch for the national champion Gators. Combined, Mike and Maurkice have 40 starts on the line in only two years in Gainesville.

The three returning starters are firmly entrenched, but the other two spots are up for grabs. James Wilson, Marcus Gilbert, Sam Robey, and Matt Patchan seem to the likely contenders.

Marcus Gilbert seems to be the most likely to have a starting spot locked up. He will likely line up at one tackle spot with Johnson at the other tackle spot. Gilbert is a six foot five, 320 pound junior from Fort Lauderdale. He has seen action in twenty six games, garnering three starts including the Miami game last season. Gilbert was named of the most improved players this spring by the coaching staff and will look to build on that during summer workouts and preseason camp. Gilbert is a solid tackle who reminds me of Jason Watkins. He is never going to get his name called for being outstanding, but he isn’t going to make mistakes or create penalties.

James Wilson played high school ball with Tim Tebow at Nease and chose the Gators at the last second over Southern Cal in his senior year. Out of high school, Wilson was rated the number twelve overall player and number one guard in the nation by Rivals.com recruiting service. Since arriving at Florida he has played in ten games with no starts. The redshirt sophomore has a ton of talent and could have a breakout year.

After spending time on the defensive line in 2008 Matt Patchan moved back to his more natural position of offensive tackle. He was rated a five star recruit and he was ranked the number eleven overall player in the nation by Rivals.com. Patchan only weighs in at 260 pounds currently and unless he can quickly get close to 300 his chances of starting are pretty slim.

Unlike Wilson and Patchan, Sam Robey was an unheralded signing for the Gators. He redshirted his freshman year and has been impressive this spring. The coaches have consistently lauded the 291 pound redshirt freshman’s performance and he has become the center of media attention on the offensive line.

The make-up of the line will depend heavily on who emerges. Probably the only guy who will definitely stay where he’s at is Mike Pouncey at guard. If Robey emerges, then Maurkice Pouncey could move to his natural spot of guard. In that case we would see those three plus Johnson and Gilbert at the tackles.

If Matt Patchan can put on enough weight to be successful as an SEC tackle, he could take over on the left side and Carl Johnson could slide inside to guard. If Patchan really breaks out, he might have a shot to play over Gilbert even if Robey becomes a starter, but this isn’t likely.

James Wilson seems the least likely to become a starter after a spring where he didn’t do much to stand out. But if he improves, he could play in the open guard spot on the left side next to Carl Johnson. Wilson has the most potential of anyone on the line and in his junior season he needs to step up to at least give the Gators depth.

Despite Robey’s emergence and the different scenarios that seem to point to him starting, I just can’t see Meyer starting a freshman at one of the most important positions on the field. I forsee Gilbert and Johnson at the tackles, Mike Pouncey at guard, Maurkice Pouncey at center and james Wilson at guard. Wilson has a ton of talent and if he works hard can be a player. While Robey may deserve it more, Wilson can hurt the Gators less at guard than Robey can at center if he starts to falter.

Ben Pettito is a Columnist for GatorTailgating.com.