Both Andrew Whitworth and Nate Livings played on the offensive line for the LSU Tigers from 2002 to 2005. Both played on the line during the '03-'04 BCS Championship game, in which the Tigers defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 21-14. During that time, Whitworth and Livings were both coached by Stacy Searels.
During the 2006 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected Andrew Whitworth in the second round with the No. 55 overall pick and then they signed Livings as a college free agent.
From 2007 to 2010 Clint Boling played on the Georgia Bulldogs offensive line. He was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the No. 101 overall pick. While at Georgia, he was coached by none other than Searels.
Considering that Searels has personally coached the left side of the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive line, he has some comparisons between Boling and Whitworth.
"They're similar guys," Searels says. "Smart guys. Tough guys. Versatile. Football is important to them. I wouldn't be surprised if Clint grew into some kind of leader like Whit after he moved up the ladder. They've kind of got the same personality."
When the Bengals selected Boling in the fifth round, Searels let Whitworth know that he should show the new offensive lineman the ropes, saying, "He's a good one. Take him under your wing."
As for Whitworth, Searels still thinks he's one of the best linemen he's ever coached and that there aren't many people for a young offensive lineman in the NFL to learn from.
"Andrew Whitworth may be the hardest worker I ever had when it came to preparation. Unbelievable," Searels says. "This is going to be a big help for Clint. I thought that would help him, going to a place where he knows someone who a similar background in style. It's going to make life easier."
Whitworth and Boling could make a great team when Boling is ready to play. They both have great work ethics, they both are natural leaders and they both have the ability to play multiple positions.
To prove my point, I'd be willing to bet that you can't guess who the following quote from Searels is about:
"He's a consistent player. He's not flashy," Searels says. "But all he does is go out and do what he's supposed to do. He gets the job done. And he's a humble guy."
Hint: it's not Whitworth.