Now Beck gravitates even more toward pushing “general rules” than fixed precepts. This spring's simplification of the offense speaks to that. Overcoach players these days, Beck said, and “they become robots” who expect a certain defender to do a certain thing. What happens when he doesn't? So Beck preaches adaptability.
Beck has had a particularly interesting journey with his offensive linemen. Only one firm returning starter — left guard Jake Cotton — is practicing this spring. The most experienced lineman at the FBS level, Alex Lewis, transferred from Colorado and didn't play last year. Right guard Mike Moudy is out for spring rehabbing from shoulder surgery. Two more — Ryne Reeves and Zach Hannon — have boots on ankles, likely done for the spring. Beck and offensive line coaches John Garrison and Barney Cotton have had to mix and match frequently.
The linemen have held up well.
“They're getting better,” Beck said. “And I've seen that in teams past, but I've noticed it a lot more in this group. Part of it is being a little bit more simple and allowing them to just perfect their trade a little bit. But it's a really good group. They work hard. They're hungry and they're competing. It's so wide open, who's going to play. They're really in their playbooks.”