Offensive Line

[AR Husker Fan]

I think - even with the concerns over the safeties - everyone would agree that this season hinges more on the performance of the offensive line than any other unit. Given that, does anyone have a feel for how they are doing so far in camp?

 

We hear about individual players, about the skill positions, about the defense. But so far, it seems that we're not hearing much about the offensive line. Anyone with some information as to how they are actually doing so far?

[pigsonthewing]

just like last year.

 

I thought i remember reading a quote by Zac Taylor saying that they are gelling and that they've retained a lot from the spring. i've also heard Nicks and Slauson giving the d-line some problems.

[husker rob]

here is an article from LJS

 

O-LINE TRACKER, 8-11

BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 12:35:49 am CDT

 

A post-practice look at what many Husker fans are curious about this fall camp ... building the pipeline.

 

-- What’s new: Quarterback Zac Taylor had some good news for those concerned about a repeat of last season’s struggles. “Big improvement, huge improvement,” Taylor said of the line’s progress. “They’re really communicating a lot better. There’s virtually no pressure in the backfield. Those guys have really stepped up, especially our tackles (Lydon Murtha and Chris Patrick).” He also praised junior college transfer Carl Nicks’ prowess at tackle.

 

-- Who’s where: D.J. Jones, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound true freshman from Omaha Central, said he’s playing third string behind Patrick and Nicks at right tackle.

 

-- What he said: Jones, when asked to whom he looks for leadership among linemen: “You just keep your eyes on big (Matt) Slauson and big Murtha, and go wherever they go.”

[pigsonthewing]

ahh there it is..

[ttheKid1*18]

Hopefully Jones can get some time on the field this year, and make an impact all four years he is here.

[HuskerfaninOkieland]

here is an article from LJS

 

O-LINE TRACKER, 8-11

BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 12:35:49 am CDT

 

A post-practice look at what many Husker fans are curious about this fall camp ... building the pipeline.

 

-- What’s new: Quarterback Zac Taylor had some good news for those concerned about a repeat of last season’s struggles. “Big improvement, huge improvement,” Taylor said of the line’s progress. “They’re really communicating a lot better. There’s virtually no pressure in the backfield. Those guys have really stepped up, especially our tackles (Lydon Murtha and Chris Patrick).” He also praised junior college transfer Carl Nicks’ prowess at tackle.

 

-- Who’s where: D.J. Jones, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound true freshman from Omaha Central, said he’s playing third string behind Patrick and Nicks at right tackle.

 

-- What he said: Jones, when asked to whom he looks for leadership among linemen: “You just keep your eyes on big (Matt) Slauson and big Murtha, and go wherever they go.”

Sweet! I think these guys are going to be heads over tails better than last year

[admo]

here is an article from LJS

 

O-LINE TRACKER, 8-11

BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Aug 11, 2006 - 12:35:49 am CDT 

 

A post-practice look at what many Husker fans are curious about this fall camp ... building the pipeline.

 

-- What’s new: Quarterback Zac Taylor had some good news for those concerned about a repeat of last season’s struggles. “Big improvement, huge improvement,” Taylor said of the line’s progress. “They’re really communicating a lot better. There’s virtually no pressure in the backfield. Those guys have really stepped up, especially our tackles (Lydon Murtha and Chris Patrick).” He also praised junior college transfer Carl Nicks’ prowess at tackle.

 

-- Who’s where: D.J. Jones, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound true freshman from Omaha Central, said he’s playing third string behind Patrick and Nicks at right tackle.

 

-- What he said: Jones, when asked to whom he looks for leadership among linemen: “You just keep your eyes on big (Matt) Slauson and big Murtha, and go wherever they go.”

Thanks for the post. I am more optimistic about this group of lineman than years before. There doesnt seem to be a lot of talk about "converting run blockers into pass blockers". Actually I dont hear any. It's a good sign. We may, we may just be a few short years away from really establishing a new benchmark for solid pass protection around here. I mean there, in Nebraska.

 

It's a stretch, but there has been some real good progress, no doubt about it. Good to be Cornhusker!

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA]

Will know for sure when we see them in a game but that does help seeing them in a positive light again.

[husker rob]

it is good to hear the comments from Zac, now that can be taken a couple of ways. Either he is being the natural leader that he is and just saying it or he actually sees great improvement.

[ttheKid1*18]

This part of the offense is really the wild card. If they can get their stuff together, this offense could be really dangerous. Keep up the work line.

[gamecocks]

Between Mann, Patrick, Slauson, Nicks, Murtha, Jones, Austin, Byford, Christenson, and Huff. Our O-line should be able to wear some defenses down. Our starters should average over 300 lbs plus some of them have some good speed to pull on some traps and counters. I'm already getting hungry waiting for all of those pancakes they will produce.

[AR Husker Fan]

Good information, guys.

 

Keep it comin' - I think that hearing about the line's improvement may be the single best thing to put Husker fans' minds to rest.

[husker rob]

we are going to have to have better play to have a better running game, and it looks like we are well on our way.

 

with an established running game it means ZT will spend less time on his back, and be able to complete more passes.

 

then Joe Ganz will get the time under center that he is going to need. maybe even Brian.

[BIGREDIOWAN]

This is great news and any type of progress is good progress for the O-line after last year. We'll have to see what they do in the game!!!!

[huskerdavo]

I am optimistic and would like to hear about pancakes and hearing about 'roid' jerseys going to some big uglies