SFA has BIG 0-line

[ALEX LIFESON]

A Look at the SFA Offensive Line
'Jacks return a veteran offensive fron in 2009


Aug. 28, 2009


NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Lumberjacks are fortunate to return both quarterbacks and two talented running backs from last year, but none of that would amount to a hill of beans if SFA didn't have talent, and experience up front to block and create holes in the defensive front. Fortunately, that is not an issue for the 2009 version of the Lumberjacks.

SFA is blessed to be returning four of five starters from last year's recorded-setting season that saw SFA lead the league in passing offense. The Lumberjacks offensive front did a great job blocking for quarterbacks who put the ball in the air more than 600 times last season.

The line, which had only one returning starter heading into the 2008 season, quickly became a cohesive unit under offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson's spread offense. As the season wore, and the team became more adjusted to the new look, the offensive line helped produce a stronger ground game as well. After being almost a non-factor in the first five games (averaging less than 23 yards per game), the line helped the SFA backs average 104 yards per game in the final seven contests.

"We are very blessed to return a ton of experience this season," said offensive line coach Chris Truax. "The majority of these guys have been here since last season so we have some good chemistry out there. They have really done a good job taking on a leadership role. Obviously the success they had last year has given them quite a bit of confidence heading into this season. Now we need to work on building a strong second unit."

Seniors Karl Glimp and Max Holmes will anchor the 'Jacks veteran line in 2009. Glimp (6-5, 290 lbs.) has been a mainstay on the Lumberjack offense since the season opener of his rookie season. Considered one of the top offensive linemen in the Southland Conference, Glimp enters the season having started the 34 consecutive games.

"Karl is a four-year starter on our offensive line," said Truax. "He started at left guard, and then we moved him out to left tackle. I really think he can be one of the top linemen in the nation, but we just have to keep him focused. If we can keep him focused every play he is going to be a force."

A 2008 honorable mention All-SLC selection, Glimp has graded out at 91 percent during his career. He has also averaged eight pancake blocks per game during his time in Nacogdoches.

Holmes was one of the biggest additions, both literally and figuratively, to the Lumberjack roster last year. At 6-3, 290 lbs., the LSU transfer had an immediate impact on the 'Jacks offensive front earning a starting spot in the season opener. Holmes proved to be one of the more versatile athletes on the squad switching from right guard to center midway through the season.

"Max should be an all-conference player at center," said Truax. "He has that type of ability. Max really understands the game of football, and what we are trying to do on offense."

When you throw the football more than 600 times in a season, the line is going to get put through the fire early and often. But Holmes proved to be up to the challenge during the '08 campaign surrendering only one sack in 630 attempts, while averaging six pancake blocks per game.

Another constant on the SFA offensive line last season was Chris Garrison. A transfer from Mesa (Ariz.) Community College, Garrison (6-5, 303 lbs.) followed a similar path as Holmes at SFA. Winning a starting role for the season opener, Garrison never looked back starting all twelve games at left guard. Garrison posted 14 pancake blocks during the year.

"Chris has improved so much from last season," said Truax. "He is a vocal leader on the field and in the weight room. Chris is one of those athletes who is very coachable and always does exactly what is asked of him."

The lone non-senior, returning starter is George Bias (6-3, 295). A Houston, Texas, native, Bias only seemed to get stronger as the season wore on, working his way into the starting lineup in the fourth game of the season. The junior posted 12 pancake blocks and graded out at 88 percent during that time.

"I really believe that George has all the tools to be the best right tackle in our league this season, despite his sophomore standing," said Truax. "He has all-conference ability on the field, and takes care of his business in the classroom. He is a hard worker who comes to practice everyday with a great attitude. I really would like to see him be more vocal on the field, and be more of a leader."

The Lumberjacks will be looking to fill the void left by Cameron Schacht who exhausted all of his eligibility last season. SFA has two athletes who have been locked in a back-n-forth battle over the right guard position, senior Daniel Patricio and redshirt freshman John Steel. Patricio is a 6-6, 315-lb. product from Van Nuys, Calif., who makes his way to Nacogdoches via College of the Canyons, while Steel is a 6-3, 271-lb. prospect from Boyd, Texas. Steel came out of spring camp with a slight edge over Patricio, but according to Truax Patricio has had a slightly better fall.

"Both Steel and Patricio are about equal in terms of talent," said Truax. "Steel had the starting spot coming out of the spring, but Patricio has really played well during the fall. The key with Daniel is keeping him healthy. It's been around this time the past couple of seasons that he gets stung by nagging injuries and somebody winds up passing him on the depth chart."

With the 'Jacks' starting five nearly locked down, Truax is trying to mold a consistent depth chart for the '09 line. The Lumberjacks have some talent on their roster but it is very young after the starting five. Several players who should see time in the rotation include Larry Bradley (6-6, 315), Austin Wright (6-2, 285), Jesse Funk (6-4, 276) and Corey Dickerson (6-9, 306).

Funk is the veteran of this group and is currently listed second on the depth chart at left guard. Bradley is a transfer from Baylor who has battled his way onto the depth chart. He is currently listed second behind Bias at right tackle.

A Livingston, Texas, native, Corey Dickerson brings added size and strength to the SFA lineup. Dickerson had earned a starting spot on the line coming out of spring camp, but enters the 2009 season listed second at left tackle.

Wright had a strong preseason camp last season, and has continued that consistency this fall. He will start the season as the backup at center, but has proven that he has the ability to start in this league.

-SFA-

[PK]

And how did that work for them last year?

DATE OPPONENT W/L SCORE ATTEND
------------ ------------------------ --- ----- ------
Aug 30, 2008 LANGSTON W 56-19 8201
Sept 6, 2008 at TCU L 7-67 27074
Sep 20, 2008 at #20 Western Illinois L 14-34 14319
Sep 27, 2008 #20 SOUTH DAKOTA STATE L 48-50 9623
*Oct 04, 2008 SOUTHEASTERN LA. W 48-45 7230
Oct 11, 2008 KENTUCKY WESLEYAN W 49-0 8763
*Oct 18, 2008 at Nicholls Colonels W 50-39 5892
*Oct 25, 2008 TEXAS STATE L 21-62 11400
*Nov 01, 2008 at Sam Houston St. L 31-34 10134
*Nov 08, 2008 at #18 McNeese State L 31-42 13025
*Nov 15, 2008 CENTRAL ARKANSAS L 41-49 7467
*Nov 22, 2008 NORTHWESTERN STATE L 24-34 7358

[One Trick Pony]

Looks like about three better than SMU last year.

[PK]

Looks like about three better than SMU last year.

Well unfortunately we didn't get the opportunity to play LANGSTON, SOUTHEASTERN LA., KENTUCKY WESLEYAN and Nicholls Colonels...

[Stallion]

includes an LSU transfer, a Baylor transfer and a guy who is a reported All-Conference kid who has started 34 games. The OLine could be a decent test for a Division 1aaTEAM. but considering the points they gave up even when they won SMU should be about to score at least 40-50.