T.J. Lang | Guard/Tackle | Eastern Michigan | 6'4" - 316 lbs.

OVERVIEW
Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, Lang has made a remarkable transformation over the last three years since being moved to the offensive front wall. Despite coming into his own as a tackle in 2008, many professional scouts feel that his drive blocking ability, reach and quick hand placement could see him shift inside to guard or center in the National Football League.

Since moving positions, Lang went on to start 36 consecutive games, including his last 26 at the demanding left tackle slot. While lined up at that position, he registered 169 knock-downs and 21 touchdown-resulting blocks during his junior and senior campaigns. Playing with a defensive lineman's experience has also been beneficial, as he produced sixteen tackles (8 solos) and blocked two kicks during his 43-game career at EMU.

Lang began his prep career at Lakeland High School, lettering in both football and baseball as a sophomore. He transferred to Brother Rice High as a junior, where he helped the team to the state finals and was named the squad's Most Improved Lineman.

As a senior, Lang started on both lines. He earned All-State Division II first-team honors and was ranked 33rd on the Fab 50 list of the Detroit Free Press, adding All-North accolades from that news service. He was named his team's Lombardi Award winner as the Most Outstanding Lineman and was nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year award in the state of Michigan.

In his final prep campaign, Lang recorded 93 tackles (59 solos) with 8.5 quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery, making the Associated Press All-State Division II squad. He also won the Defensive Line award at the University of Michigan 2004 summer camp.

In 2005, Lang was one of seven true freshmen to letter at Eastern Michigan. He appeared in all eleven games, seeing action in seven contests on defense while starting the season opener vs. Cincinnati at left defensive tackle. He finished the season with eleven tackles (4 solos), as he assisted on a stop behind the line of scrimmage and blocked a kick vs. Western Michigan.

As a sophomore, Lang switched to the offensive line, starting ten contests at right tackle and two more on the left side. He also switched from jersey #93 that he wore in 2005 to #50 for the rest of his career. He posted 74 knockdowns with seven touchdown-resulting blocks and was named Player of the Game vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. He also collected three tackles.

Lang started all twelve games at left tackle in 2007, delivering 83 knockdowns and ten touchdown-resulting blocks. He also blocked a kick and recorded a solo tackle. The team averaged 337.5 yards in total offense as the front wall ranked second in the Mid-American Conference, allowing just 1.42 quarterback sacks per game, the 24th-best figure in the nation.

As a senior, Lang again manned the left tackle slot in all twelve games, garnering All-Mid American Conference recognition. He registered eleven touchdown-resulting blocks to go with 86 knockdowns, as he also came up with a solo tackle, but turned the ball over after handling a reception for a 4-yard loss. The Eagles relied on him protecting the blind side, as EMU ranked 20th nationally in passing, averaging 269.33 yards per game.

CAREER NOTES
As an offensive lineman, Lang started 26 games at left tackle and ten more on the right side, producing 243 knockdowns and 28 touchdown-resulting blocks... Over his final two seasons, he recorded 21 touchdown-resulting blocks, 169 knockdowns and 17 down field blocks, grading 81.67% for blocking consistency... Allowed seven quarterback sacks and nine pressures on 860 pass plays... For his career, he collected sixteen tackles (8 solos) with an assisted stop for a 3-yard loss and blocked a pair of kicks.

2008 SEASON
All-Mid American Conference first-team and Super Sleeper Team selection by The NFL Draft Report, adding second-team All-MAC honors from the league's coaches... Earned the Harold E. Sponberg Award, given annually to the top down lineman scholar-athlete... Lined up at left offensive tackle, coming up with 86 knockdowns, eleven touchdown-resulting blocks and nine down field blocks, grading 83.08% for blocking consistency... Penalized three times and handled a reception for a4-yard loss (turned the ball over on a fumble) while also making a solo tackle...Allowed 4.5 quarterback sacks and three pressures on 499 pass plays... Helped the team rank 20th in the nation and third in the MAC in passing (269.33 ypg) and 25th in the major college ranks in total offense (417.5 ypg).

2007 SEASON
All-MAC second-team pick by The Gridiron Report... Started all twelve games at left offensive tackle... Earned Player of the Game honors vs. Northwestern, Bowling Green and Central Michigan... Recorded 83 knockdowns, eight down field blocks and ten touchdown-resulting blocks, finishing with a blocking consistency grade of 80.25%...Blocked a field goal vs. Northern Illinois that saved the game in the final seconds and posted a solo tackle vs. Vanderbilt... Part of a front wall that ranked second in the conference and 24th in the nation, allowing just 1.42 quarterback sacks per game... Gave up 2.5 of those sacks, along with six pressures on 399 pass plays... Helped the Eagles average 337.5 yards in total offense and 156.0 yards rushing per game.

2006 SEASON
Moved to the offensive line, starting the first ten contests at right tackle before shifting to the left side vs. Kent State and Northern Illinois... Named the team's Offensive Player of the Game at Louisiana Lafayette (Sept. 30)... Earned a Championship Performance Award vs. Toledo, Championship Special Teams awards for the Central Michigan and Bowling Green games and a Winning Performance award vs. Central Michigan...Changed from jersey #93 to #50 prior to the season opener, coming up with 74 knockdowns and seven touchdown-resulting blocks for a unit that averaged 276.15 yards in total offense per game...Also made three tackles, including one each vs. Ohio University, Navy and Kent State.

2005 SEASON
One of seven true freshmen to letter, Lang appeared in eleven games, starting the season opener vs. Cincinnati as a 250- pound left defensive tackle... Registered eleven tackles (4 solos) with an assisted stop for a 3-yard loss and a blocked field goal.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
5.12 in the 40-yard dash... 1.80 10-yard dash...2.95 20-yard dash.. .4.74 20-yard shuttle... 7.71 three-cone drilL. ..26-inch vertical jump... 8'6" broad jump... Bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times... 515-pound squat...318-pound hang clean...32 %- inch arm length... 9 5/8-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL
Graduated from Brother Rice (Birmingham, Mich.) High School, playing football as a junior and senior for head coach AI Fracassa...As a senior, Lang started on both lines, earning All-State Division II first-team honors and was ranked 33rd on the Fab 50 list of the Detroit Free Press, adding All-North accolades from that news service... Named his team's Lombardi Award winner as the Most Outstanding Lineman and was nominated for the Gatorade Player of the Year award in the state of Michigan.. .In his final prep campaign, Lang recorded 93 tackles (59 solos) with 8.5 quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery, making the Associated Press All-State Division II squad, helping the team to the state finals and was named the squad's Most Improved Lineman...Also won the Defensive Line award at the University of Michigan 2004 summer camp... Began his prep career at Lakeland High School, lettering in both football and baseball as a sophomore.

PERSONAL
Criminal Justice major... One of five children of Lynn Confer and Thomas Lang... Born Thomas John Lang, Jr. on 9/20/87... Resides in Ferndale, Michigan.

Not bad, we needed o-line.. although I'm surprised Duke Robinson from OU was still or IS still on the board?

I hope we get Javon Ringer with our next pick, I think he's still available.. He reminds me of an Ahmad Bradshaw..

"nickb364" wrote:

"nickb364" wrote:

"Once I left the (Packers') facility I told my agent I could see myself playing in Green Bay," Lang said. "Just the type of guys I liked, the coaches, loved everything about them. It's a smaller town and seemed like a hard-working type of city, type of team, and that's what I'm all about. I definitely feel comfortable coming there."

Lang had some interesting things to say.

Lang had some interesting things to say.

4th Round Pick: Eastern Michigan OL T.J. Lang
The Packers have filled another need, selecting Eastern Michigan tackle T.J. Lang with their fourth-round pick (No. 109 overall).

A converted defensive lineman, Lang (6-4 1/4, 312 pounds) started 26 games at left tackle and 10 at right tackle at Eastern Michigan, producing 243 knockdown blocks and 28 touchdown-resulting blocks. He allowed seven sacks and nine pressures in 860 pass plays.

The Packers' next pick is in the fifth round (No. 145 overall).

More details as they're available.

UPDATE, 11:52 a.m.: Lang is addressing the media via phone now.

* What position will he play here? "I think the reason that they kind of like me is becaues I can play inside or outside." Not sure.

* Use zone blocking in college? Yes. Spread team, most of run plays were zone.

* Why switch from defensive line to offensive line? (Aaaand ... apparently Lang's phone died. Nice start.)

UPDATE, 11:56 a.m. And he's back.

* Why move to offense? Had two guys in front of him, including 2008 draftee Jason Jones. Had couple guys leave program on offensive line, and coach knew he'd played tackle in high school. First game at offensive tackle, he was a starter.

* How describe on-field demeanor? "I'm a competitive guy, and I show up, I show up every day and I'm just consistent." Doesn't talk a lot.

* Were Packers top choice? "Yes." Once left facility, told agent he could see himself here. Loved the coaches. Liked small town, hard working. "That's what I'm all about."

* Invited to combine? No. "I was informed by the combine director that I missed the combine by one vote." Was disappointed at first. Felt had something to prove. Had good pro day. Moved forward.

* Practiced or played any guard? "The only time I played guard was at my all-star game." Texas vs. the Nation. Took a few days to get used to it, but was OK.

* How play against first-round pick Larry English? Never gave up sack to him, but had battles.

* Expecting to get drafted in fourth round? Was thinking middle rounds -- slight chance of fourth, but was thinking fifth. "I'm definitely excited now."

* What were options coming out of high school? Only weighed 255 out of high school and only had played one year on DL. Only offers were from Eastern Michigan and Toledo, which offered late after had committed.

* What weigh now? 315.

* Played first college game at age 17. Graduate early? No, was always young. Birthday in September, right on deadline. Started school early.

* What need to improve? "I think I can work on just perfecting my technique and also my flexibility, trying to play lower." Worked on that the past few months, still working. Flexibility is biggest thing.

* Major injuries or surgeries? No.

UPDATE, 12:07 p.m.: Video, if I can make it work ...



UPDATE, 12:18 p.m. Offensive line coach James Campen on Lang ...

* Start out at RT? Will wait until evaluate in OTAs.

* Possibilities for position? All of them. Hasn't snapped in a game or played guard, but he displays those traits. "We will try to hone him into one position if we can do that."

* What think of Lang? "Very tough football player, high-effort player." Physical, plays with d-line mentality. Disciplined.

* Height an issue at tackle? No.

* Body type and numbers similar to Sitton. Compare those two physically? Weight similar. Taller than Sitton. Body composition, everyone's different. "Certainly a big-framed kid, a big-boned kid who can get in there and push people around."

* How was visit? "He had a very, very good visit. ... Very intelligent. Being on the board, excellent retention. Fit in well with the whole staff. Actually met some of the current football players ... would fit in very well with our group." Was a team captain. Little quieter, but when speaks, will be heard. Effort, play style is "infectious. He's just a very good kid." Had interesting lunch with him. Were eating at one of Packers lunches upstairs, saw Kevin Greene, asked if it was him. "He was like 'Wow.' I'm in the same room as Kevin Greene. ... He's a character himself. He's got a great attitude. ... This kid has great respect for the game." Walked around Lambeau, saw great players on walls, tells a lot about character.

* How is right tackle spot entering OTAs? "We have four or five guys, now a fifth, that certainly would compete over there. ... (Lang) will definitely compete for a position on this football team."

* Adding bigger guys, something to that? Lang is very athletic for his size, runs 5.1 40, 30 bench reps. When find similar skillsets, go for bigger kid.

* Importance of leadership: "I think it's just another bonus for a kid. ... I think it factors. Leadership can come in all different areas and in your style of play, but certainly I don't think you need to be a 10-year veteran to be a leader ..."

* Reservations about how guys block when have played in spread offense? Didn't put hand down much at EMU, but did in goal-line, short-yardage. Has shown footwork to execute scheme in NFL. Have to do more film work on those type of guys. "Certainly, it's not going to be an issue for him."

* Lang need to get stronger? "Every player obviously needs to get stronger and continue their growth in the weight room." Displays good leg strength, good knee drive. Will keep growing in weight room.

* Options at right tackle? Mentions Giacomini, Moll, Lang. Free agency isn't over yet either. "We have options."

Eastern Michigan OT T.J. Lang has the ability to play every position on the line and be a great sixth man, and after the Packers focused on their defense with their first two picks, they needed to address their offensive line, where questions remain at right tackle. Lang has the football temperament to compete for a starting job with Tony Moll.

Lang has the football temperament to compete for a starting job with Tony Moll.

"Nonstopdrivel" wrote:

Listen, it's all shot-in-the-dark prognostication at this point. You can either be happy or you can go around pissing in people's cheerios. It doesn't really matter.

"MassPackersFan" wrote: