The O-Line experiment

[Guest Guru]

We all know the race wont be won without a paved highway. And it goes without saying that the Big Red highway was in shambles last year, and needed some serious re-construction. Coach Call recognized that immediately, and has addressed the deficiency by experimenting with different combos of linemen, including former defensive linemen, to see what would work.

 

Practices in the beginning were a series of missteps and half steps. The green

jersey's undoubtedly saved Dailey and the other QB's many bumps and

bruises as the likes of Adam Carriker routinely bolted through the

offensive line to the QB. But after about 8 practices things began to

come together. Richie Incognito commented at the time " We finally have

an idea of what we're doing,...I mean finally!" Former spring football

d-line standout, Seppo Evwaraye switched to offensive line and wowed

with his progress. He finished the spring listed as a first string

tackle and was given one of three awards for most improved player after

the spring game!

 

O-line coach Dennis Wagner's top goal coming into spring practice was

to identify 8 linemen who could play and he was able to do just that.

If the season were to start tomorrow, the starters would be Darren

DeLone and Seppo Evwaraye at tackles, Brandon Koch and Jake Andersen at guards, and Incognito at center. Nick Povendo, Mike Erickson, and

sophomore Kurt Mann round out the top eight. Wagner has preached the

importance of linemen being able to play multiple positions, "I don't

think you can play with five guys throughout a whole season...I think

that caught up with them last year. They just didn't have any depth,

and guys were playing hurt...We tell our guys, 'Every practice, every

day, you can be reevaluated and lose your spot.' Competition breeds

success, and that's what we're looking for."

 

Coach Callahan was effusive in praise of Richie Incognito's successful

switch to center this spring. The coaching staff awarded Incognito with

the inaugural Finisher Award in recognition of the player who

"exemplifies the best effort, work ethic and displays the ability to

finish every play." The move to center was important because Callahan

said it is critical to control the nose guard in the new offense,

"Controlling 'the point' allows us to do what we want to do in our zone

(rushing ) game."