I'd be surprised, but not shocked, if either was a day one starter (barring injuries) come next year no matter who comes.
It's one thing to be game fit and punishing guys typically 50 to 100 pounds less than you in high school. That's at the highest levels of competitions and you're almost always this biggest guy by quite a bit.
You get to college and most are your size or pretty **** close. They're hitting you all over your body with two by fours like arms left and right. It's the physical toll, week in and week out, that takes time. You're going in each week hurt, I'm not saying an injury, but your arms might hurt every time you move them. Your ribs are all banged up. Same with your legs, etc.
There is no break on the OL. I know people love to say so and so is a tub of goo, but those guys are strong and far more fit than you'd think. You don't get subbed in and out like you do on the DL. The DL comes at you in waves and as the time dwindles down, they're a lot fresher than you.
Once you're fit and can master the physical toll / pain and push through exhaustion, that's when you can start. Backups aren't always ready for that, but get called on. It's tough, but we're bringing in some big boys who'll grow into men. They'll be ready when they're ready, but remember, they'll likely need some time.
