Offensive Line Coming Together

Thor Jozwiak is one name that is getting the attention of offensive coordinator Todd Fitch.

From Adam Adkins - AA has some interesting statements from offensive coordinator Todd Fitch about the state of the offense, especially wide receiver and running backs (please check out the full article here). The real interesting area he talks about is the offensive line, probably one of the biggest question marks entering the season.

The Bulls have to replace 3 starters, including all conference center Sampson Genus, not the easiest thing to do and facing a face paced 3-4 defense vs. Notre Dame in week one is not an easy task, but from the sound of it, it appears the Bulls are ahead of schedule with their personnel groupings.

The team was happy entering the Vero Beach camp with 3 seniors, Kevin McCaskill, Chaz Hine, and Jeremiah Warren. They were also happy with Mark Popek (injured with headaches after Saturday, but should be alright) and Danous Estenor (the man moves cars, come on). They were also impressed with freshman tackle Quinterrius Eatmon, notching him in at starting right tackle coming out of the Spring practices. While this group has been solid (despite a few nagging injuries and a few shuffles during the practice, such as Hine getting time at center), 6 other players have stepped up their performance.

Junior Damien Edwards continues to work hard and impress the coaches. Sophomore John McGhin, freshman Austin Reiter and Tony Kibler (both redshirts), and true freshman Thor Jozwiak and Darrell Williams. McGhin is not a surprise to hear. He has the size to play up front, it has just been an issue of health for him over the past two seasons. Reiter and Kibler were solid commitments from last season and after redshirting last year, should be getting better with the coaching staff. The real surprise to hear about is the excellent play of Darrell Williams. We all speculated Thor would make a name for himself early and we rest our case. Darrell Williams, weighing in at the start of camp at 245-pounds, has been getting a lot of time at left tackle with the 2nd and 3rd teams. Now at 245-pounds and playing at left tackle, this should raise a red flag. He is smaller than our new fullback, freshman Tye Turner, who is weighing in around 256 right now, so he needs to add more weight, but the coaches understand this and he must be a talent to be getting those kind of snaps at that tough of a position.

Two names that were not brought up (at least from the quotes of the conversation) were David "Boo" Simon and Max Lang. Both Simon and Lang were highly regarded 3-star prospects and should be playing well right now. I am sure they will come along but it is interesting to note the lack of mention for both of them.

Overall the offensive line should be strong and seems to be coming together nicely and will have to be ready for week one.