I think I remember Matt Moore talking about how close these two were in the Summer last year. Byrnes started in ‘07 and Hamby in ’08. Something about Hamby got the nod and I’m sure many will vote for Hamby because of this but if Byrnes improves just one little bit this year, this will put him even or ahead.

Brynes has another year’s experience. I think he is the better player now, especially if he and hamby were dead even last year.

Byrnes was very close in ability to Hamby. I did not expect any changes last year once the starter was selected from between them in the Fall. With both playing in games last year, the start of this year will mean a better player to start the year than the year before. If they were close before, Byrnes should be that much better this Fall. Round and round I go. I think you get my drift, though. Tech will be better than OK at the center position this year, no doubt. The whole offensive line should be at or very near as good as last year’s line. This will enable some youngsters to get some important reps throughout the games, as the O-line will keep plugging with healthy, strong bodies. They are all talented, I think, enough to help us have a good chance to duplicate last year’s success.

Byrnes is a virtual clone of Hamby. Same basic size, same blocking speeds. In the strength department and technique I actually give Byrnes the nod. Athleticism is where Hamby appears to gain votes – I have no technical data – it just appears that Hamby was a bit better running down field. I just don’t think it matters too much because the man is smart, knows the scheme, he’s going to help Potts manage the game/see the field (i.e. he has the experience in games) and we have an improved running game so the product is simplified. I.e. when the back goes thru the crease at the speed they’ve demonstrated then it just doesn’t take a big block to spring them. Again this simplifies Potts on the field problem solving. When you average over 4 yards a pop on the ground the opposing defense just can’t make a good decision against this type of offensive scheme. . I watched the 2003 UT vs TTU game where T. Henderson and J. Mack did some great slashing of the Longhorns. I feel that – the slashing rush attack – is what we are going to see in the 09 Campaign. Just feel Jeffers/Crawford/Batch will be doing the cutting of the Big 12 defenses. So Byrnes will get All Big 12 honors due to his smart play. He’s got the tools. He has already demonstrated the ability to call the blocking scheme at the line and done it in game time speed. And the supporting cast is going to make the O line look good.

that we have to split hairs between first and second team O-lineman? Especially when we have multiple all-conference and All-American caliber players? Yes, we’ve had incredibly talented skill players, but it all starts with the line. When it comes to O-line at Tech….if the right hand don’t get you…the left one will!!

WRECK EM TECH!!!!!!!

Leach trusted Moore to put the right guys in their to protect his QB’s. Moore picked
Hamby to start over Byrnes for a reason. Even if it was really close Moore thought that Hamby was the better choice. So i am going with the coach and saying downgrade. I do think that Byrnes will be just a good as Hamby was last year.

he was benched for a reason. skill wise they are/were equal, however byrnes additude and work ethic were far below hambys. thats the reason why he was benched after a year. moore didnt give out the position…hamby earned it! most likely because he wanted it more.