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  • Offensive Line has to Show the Way

    By: LONNY DEMAREE

    When we talk about showing the way we are not referring “to San Jose.” We are alluding to the place Patrick Towles was talking about when he told Paul Finebalm he felt like the Cats had the talent to get to Atlanta (SEC Championship). To get there the offensive line has to lead the way and showtime is fast closing in. The last open scrimmage the offense pulled it's best performance out of the bag in front of the media and crowd. If that's any indication showtime will be prime-time for the BBN. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said if it was left up to him all of the practices would be open. He did say that the biggest transition for him was the communication part of it, which entails in this case basically the same plays, just communicated differently. He has cut out a lot of the middle-man stuff whereby eliminating the chance of confusion on the sideline during the game.

    The game of football has evolved into a game that puts more of a premium on the offensive line. It was that the offensive line had to be strong for the running game but you won with defense. Now the offenses have gotten so sophisticated it puts a strain on defenses to the point stalwart defenses are a thing of the past, at least for now until it evolves in to something else. Strong defenses are still needed but it's incumbent upon the offenses to score points. When asked recently how many offensive linemen he (Dawson) had ready to go he quickly said, “Ten.”

    So now offensive line coach John Schlarman is the man to look to to be the conductor on the train to Atlanta. His engineers are the ones that had to improve their performance over last season. “We've got about eight or nine guy in there that are doing a nice job,” Schlarman said. “Working in different rotations and I think it will sort itself out.” When we last talked to Schlarman he was to make a decision on the starting right tackle for the opening game but that has seemed to sort itself out because of Kyle Meadows' suspension for the first game.

    Right Tackle - George Asafo-Adjei will now for sure be the starter at that position. He was an early entrant in school and has taken full advantage of the opportunity so now the fans can see early what the coaches and players have been raving about. That's if the astute fans views the game from the inside out. Nick Haynes will perhaps the be the sole beneficiary of the Meadows suspension. He is one that Jordan swindle raved about at the SEC Football Media Day meetings in Hoover, Alabama back in July.

    The coach said - “Some of those guys have had more reps than others but all and all it will come together.

    Right Guard – Ramsey Meyers is a second year starter that had some good moments last season and expected to get even better this season. Cole Mosier will likely be the key backup to Meyers. Nick Haynes has been one of the cross trainee's on that side that can play either tackle or guard.

    Center – Jon Toth has been hailed by Towles as the best center in the America. What does Schlarman think about that statement? “I think the world of Jon,” The coach said. “There's a lot of great centers out there. We'll see over the course of these next twelve games. He was much better last year than the year before and he keeps getting better. He a guy that just keeps getting better. Is he is that conversation? “Oh I don't know. I know he's doing a really good job for us right now. There a lot of really good center out there. The one down at Alabama comes to mind and just in our conference.” He said he does all of the smart things you need a center to do.

    Left guard – Zach West is a senior that has the most experience at that position and according to the offensive brain trust has had a very productive spring. Zach Meyers a center/guard cross trainee and guard Jervontius “Bunchy” Stallings will likely get some snaps in the first game.

    Left Tackle – Jordan Swindle is a senior that has overcome his jitters from last season. It's interesting that when Stoops was asked about that he quickly brushed if off, “That was last year.” So what the coaches have intimated in term of his talent he should be on tap to show it September 5th. It goes without saying that Towles is looking for that performance from Swindle.

    Schlarman said of his offensive line - “It's easily the deepest we've been since I've been back here when we can go 9 or10 guys in there without any drop off. We've been able to grind it out and I feel it's the strength we've been able to develop in the weight room.”
    Comments 4 Comments
    1. Darrell KSR's Avatar
      Darrell KSR -
      Thanks, Lonny. The key to the season. May not be as sexy as talking about skill players, but easily the most integral to succeeding - or not - in the Southeastern Conference.

      Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
    1. UKFlounder's Avatar
      UKFlounder -
    1. suncat05's Avatar
      suncat05 -
      Thank you for a great report, Lonny. We appreciate all of your good reporting here.
    1. dan_bgblue's Avatar
      dan_bgblue -
      Excellent report sir and it is music to my ears. The o-line has to lead the way, and it sounds like they have a chance to do so

      Thanks very much for the info!
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