Indiana University Athletics
Brotherhood of the Trenches
3/31/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Regardless of the offensive system, whether it is stacked I, five-wide, or spread option, every snap begins with one simple key - protect the quarterback. At Indiana, Offensive Line Coach/Running Game Coordinator Bobby Johnson's charges in the trenches fully understand this concept and are diligent in learning how to do just that within the parameters of IU head coach Terry Hoeppner's offense. The battle-hardened veterans on the offensive line have already proven their ability to do just that during the spring session of practice.
"I have been pleasantly surprised," Johnson said. "They are a hard-working group, and that is usually typical of the offensive line. It is a position that is not natural. It is usually a group of over-achievers. There is a lot of talent at that position. There are some guys that have played a lot of ball. Adam Hines has played a bunch of games here. Isaac Sowells has played a bunch of games. This week, Justin Frye returns after a leg injury, and he is a guy that has played a lot of ball. Brandon Hatcher has played a lot.
"It is a group with some guys that have played a lot of football, and there are some young guys that are stepping it up," Johnson continued. "Joyce at right tackle is a guy that has been a pleasant surprise. Jonathan Sandberg is another kid that is playing real well. Ben Wyss, at center, has had to step it up because of Chris Mangiero's injuries. There are a lot of guys across the board. I am happy so far. It is early on. They are pretty football smart. They do a good job of taking what I put on the board and taking it to the field. Over the course of the first few days, there haven't been many missed assignments. They understand football. With a little more time, they will fully understand the whole concept of what we are doing."
Not only does each member of the offensive line have to fully understand their place within the unit, they need to trust each other without having to consciously think about everyone's responsibilities. To help with this transition, Coach Johnson simplified the offensive line's schemes.
"I think it has been really easy," Johnson said. "We have hit it off real well. They are veterans and have seen a lot of different things. Last year's staff had an offense where the linemen had to play multiple responsibilities in a lot of things, so the kids have been exposed to a lot. They understand the game of football and the different schemes we are implementing. The good thing about the new staff, at least offensively, is that I believe in simplicity. So, for them having been exposed to a lot of things and now you reduce it down, for them it is pretty easy. The older guys have adjusted pretty well. I think they are almost relieved by the simplicity. With that, comes a responsibility of being not perfect, but excellent. With things being simplified, there is no margin for error. I think that is the challenge they are now understanding they have. I know it is simple, but the standard is a lot higher. This has allowed the younger kids to understand it as well."
The men on the line agree with their new mentor, as evidenced by a conversation with Frye, Hatcher and Sowells.
"I think it is better," Frye said. "Last year, there was a lot of responsibility on us. This year, it is a lot simpler. You don't have as much to worry about, and you can just concentrate on getting it done."
Regardless of the new system, the veteran stalwarts have been able to carry over previous blocking schemes from their previous experiences.
"Another good thing, there are some schemes that are similar to last year," Sowells said. "Even though we have new things to learn, there are things we did last year that we are doing this year. Some of the blocking schemes make it a lot easier to adjust."
Additionally, returning a robust group of letterwinners has helped the cohesiveness of the offensive line.
"I like the feeling of family on the team," Hatcher said. "We are all friends and we all take care of each other."
Frye concurs.
"Off the field, we have cookouts during the summer, and some of us go swimming," Frye said. "We are just gelling on the field, and that is easier for us because we all know each other well. These guys are my brothers."
"I have been pleasantly surprised," Johnson said. "They are a hard-working group, and that is usually typical of the offensive line. It is a position that is not natural. It is usually a group of over-achievers. There is a lot of talent at that position. There are some guys that have played a lot of ball. Adam Hines has played a bunch of games here. Isaac Sowells has played a bunch of games. This week, Justin Frye returns after a leg injury, and he is a guy that has played a lot of ball. Brandon Hatcher has played a lot.
"It is a group with some guys that have played a lot of football, and there are some young guys that are stepping it up," Johnson continued. "Joyce at right tackle is a guy that has been a pleasant surprise. Jonathan Sandberg is another kid that is playing real well. Ben Wyss, at center, has had to step it up because of Chris Mangiero's injuries. There are a lot of guys across the board. I am happy so far. It is early on. They are pretty football smart. They do a good job of taking what I put on the board and taking it to the field. Over the course of the first few days, there haven't been many missed assignments. They understand football. With a little more time, they will fully understand the whole concept of what we are doing."
Not only does each member of the offensive line have to fully understand their place within the unit, they need to trust each other without having to consciously think about everyone's responsibilities. To help with this transition, Coach Johnson simplified the offensive line's schemes.
"I think it has been really easy," Johnson said. "We have hit it off real well. They are veterans and have seen a lot of different things. Last year's staff had an offense where the linemen had to play multiple responsibilities in a lot of things, so the kids have been exposed to a lot. They understand the game of football and the different schemes we are implementing. The good thing about the new staff, at least offensively, is that I believe in simplicity. So, for them having been exposed to a lot of things and now you reduce it down, for them it is pretty easy. The older guys have adjusted pretty well. I think they are almost relieved by the simplicity. With that, comes a responsibility of being not perfect, but excellent. With things being simplified, there is no margin for error. I think that is the challenge they are now understanding they have. I know it is simple, but the standard is a lot higher. This has allowed the younger kids to understand it as well."
The men on the line agree with their new mentor, as evidenced by a conversation with Frye, Hatcher and Sowells.
"I think it is better," Frye said. "Last year, there was a lot of responsibility on us. This year, it is a lot simpler. You don't have as much to worry about, and you can just concentrate on getting it done."
Regardless of the new system, the veteran stalwarts have been able to carry over previous blocking schemes from their previous experiences.
"Another good thing, there are some schemes that are similar to last year," Sowells said. "Even though we have new things to learn, there are things we did last year that we are doing this year. Some of the blocking schemes make it a lot easier to adjust."
Additionally, returning a robust group of letterwinners has helped the cohesiveness of the offensive line.
"I like the feeling of family on the team," Hatcher said. "We are all friends and we all take care of each other."
Frye concurs.
"Off the field, we have cookouts during the summer, and some of us go swimming," Frye said. "We are just gelling on the field, and that is easier for us because we all know each other well. These guys are my brothers."
Thursday, August 13
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 11