NIce Dispatch read on the OL
The article below is from today's Cbus Dispatch.
The part I liked best is the quote from Fraser implying that this OL has better footwork and more athleticism. That is what I have been trying to convince myself of, but I kept coming back to the question "If they are so good, why didn't they get more PT?". Bollman addresses that issue witha a statement that you don't often play until your third year unless their is a strong need. I guess there was just enough need for Mangold and Sims (plus the fact that the Senior OL we had probably dictated the type of blocking schemes we used).
I feel much more optimistic having read this. Let's see, we are moving to more one back sets (with an apparent focus on speed backs rather than power backs), more mobility on the OL, more speed at receiver and more receivers on the field, a QB with QB skills..... Might we finish in the top half of the Big Ten in offense for the first time in JTs tenure?
Another point I found interesting. Bollman says this is the MOST OL he has had in Spring practice ANYWHERE he has coached. Last year folks were screaming that we needed to land at least 5 or 6 OL minimum. As it is, only one of the four we did get will be here in the spring - still giving Bollman what he considers big numbers. We graduate exactly one scholarship OL this year, so (barring the unforseen) we will have two more OL next spring than we do now. Factor in the early commit from Alex Boone and I think the OL recruiting crisis is over for a while. (Where is Computerbuck when you need him.)
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Plenty of linemen, but little experience
For those worried about whether Ohio State will produce an outstanding offensive line this fall, keep in mind, there’s strength in numbers.
For those who aren’t worried, remember, numbers don’t always tell the tale.
Consider these numbers: When spring practice begins this afternoon, offensive coordinator Jim Bollman will have a front-line roster that is at least three-deep at every position except the two-man center spot. Among them will be juniors-to-be Nick Mangold at center and Rob Sims at left tackle, returning starters who have played extensively the past two years.
Add some aspiring walk-ons "and that’s the most I have ever had anywhere I’ve coached for spring practice," Bollman said.
But take Sims and Mangold out of the equation and you’re left with this: The 12 others listed on the depth chart combined for 85 minutes of action last year. And 48 of those minutes were logged by former walk-on Mike Kne, now listed as first string at right guard. Kne and third-string right tackle John McLaughlin are the only seniors-to-be.
"On the offensive line, if you really play a lot around here before your third year, you’ve really got to be exceptional or we’ve got to have a real need for you to be in there to help us," Bollman said.
Here’s a litmus test: It wasn’t as if last year’s front, replete with seniors Alex Stepanovich, Shane Olivea, Adrien Clarke and Bryce Bishop, shoved defenses around at will, either. Or did it just appear that way because of the injury problems at running back?
What the returning players and coaches know is this promises to be a new era for the line, one way or the other. Those four outgoing seniors were the remains of the previous coaching staff’s recruiting efforts.
Coach Jim Tressel and Bollman long ago switched the emphasis to speed and agility over size. Not that they won’t take a big fellow — there is 6-foot-8, 320-pound freshman tackle Steve Rehring, who graduated early from high school so he could get a head start this spring. Word has it he has quick feet.
But Bollman now has the type of players he wanted. That’s the indication Kne gave when asked what should be different about the line play this season compared to the last couple of years.
"I think we’re a little more athletic, and I’m excited about maybe running outside more, and opening it up and getting down the field, getting to the safeties and making bigger plays," Kne said.
The difference is apparent from the other side of the ball, said senior defensive end Simon Fraser, the lone returning starter to the defensive front.
"A lot of those guys have great footwork," Fraser said of the young offensive linemen. "That’s not saying the other guys didn’t, but that’s going to open up a lot of doors for us.
"On the offensive line, you’ve got to be athletic, you’ve got to have power and you’ve got to have some agility and speed. And I think all of these guys fighting for spots now have that, and that’s going to be huge."
Spring is all about getting a front that includes sophomore first-stringers Tim Schafer at right tackle and Doug Datish at left guard firing out as one.
"It’s knowing your assignments," Kne said. "Everybody has been in there watching film together all through the winter and learning the plays together. It’s about taking mental reps when we’re not taking real reps."
Tressel has been pleased by what he has seen from them.
"The areas where I have comfort are in the quality, and the athleticism, and what I see as their capability," Tressel said. "I also am very comfortable with the attitude I see from that offensive line group. . . . There seems to be a real good chemistry amongst that group.
"Now, the unknown is what I’m not comfortable with."
Which is, will the group meld into a hole-blasting, pass-protecting unit?
"But again, that’s why we’re practicing," Tressel said.
