University of Tennessee Athletics
Surging Offensive Line Faces Challenge
October 12, 2007 | Football
By Tony Williams, UT Sports Information
How often does this happen?
An offensive line loses two starters in the offseason, changes the positions of two more and adds new blood in their place, then turns into one of the team???s strengths the following year.??
That???s exactly what???s happening for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2007. After losing All-American left tackle Arron Sears and left guard David Ligon in 2006, the Vols moved former right tackle Eric Young and former right guard Anthony Parker to the left side. Backups Chris Scott and Ramon Foster were then plugged in on the right side of sophomore center Josh McNeil.
The result was widespread uncertainty throughout summer workouts and the beginning of fall practice.
???We heard it from everybody,??? McNeil said. ???We kind of knew it ourselves. Some of the spots were up for grabs going into fall camp. We knew the best five guys would find their way onto the field, so we just tried to gel as a group so that whoever was out there would be comfortable in his role.???
As is often the case, the questions about the makeup of the unit proved motivating. There is a fine line between uncertainty about a position group and a perceived lack of confidence in that group. As any coach would, offensive line assistant Greg Atkins erased that demarcation to help drive his players.
???The coaches were drilling us and drilling us,??? Foster said. ???They were trying to keep us focused on improvement. We???re always told we have to make progress, and that keeps you unsettled and wanting to get better.???
Building Success
Now five games into the season, the Tennessee offensive line is much better, paving the way for Tennessee to gain an average of 143 yards per game on the ground, including efforts of 188 yards and 190 yards in the last two contests. On top of that, the Vols have allowed only two sacks this season, the fewest in Division I.
???I think we???re better than when we started,??? Foster said. ???I???m not sure we???re a completely solid unit yet. We can decide that at the end of the season. There is talent in this group and plenty of guys that can handle the speed of the game, so that is a positive for us.???
One of the keys to success thus far this season goes beyond the starting five. The luxury of depth has been added thanks to the outstanding play of backups Vladimir Richard and Jacques McClendon. The two sophomores have developed a knack for run blocking and a bit of a mean streak as well.??
???Jacques and Vlad coming in with those big bursts of energy brings a new element to what we???re doing,??? Foster said. ???It???s fun to watch Jacques running around out there bowling guys over. Plays from those guys give us a lift and it keeps the starters fresh for the late parts of the game.???
Never a group to call attention to itself, the offensive line would rather give credit to the rest of the offense for keeping running lanes open and Erik Ainge on his feet. Atkins cited David Cutcliffe???s play calling, the running backs??? ability to block on the edge and the wide receivers??? consistency catching passes as the primary reason for success in the passing game, not the fact that Ainge has regularly been granted plenty of time to make plays from the pocket.
???It???s definitely not just on us,??? McNeil said. ???We are doing our part right now, but this is a team effort. Everyone is seeing the same things and reacting the same way out there.???
A Tough Task Ahead
An arduous assignment awaits Saturday. The defensive line has been a force for Mississippi State through six games. The Bulldogs are fourth in the SEC in rush defense, tied for third in sacks and sixth in scoring defense.
Foster will face a stout individual challenge in the game as well. He will line up across from Mississippi State defensive end Titus Brown, a 2006 second-team All-SEC selection who currently leads the conference with six sacks.?? Head coach Philip Fulmer told Foster on Tuesday that Brown is best defensive lineman Tennessee has seen this season.
???It will be about sticking to the game plan more than anything,??? Foster said. ???I will have to respect his speed and power. Their entire defensive unit can play, but he is a key guy for them.???
A Different Kind of Challenge
McNeil, the offensive line???s signal caller, will surely be tested physically by the Bulldog defensive front on Saturday, but he will also face an emotional challenge. He is a native of Collins, Miss., and the brother of former Mississippi State center Chris McNeil, who suited up for the Bulldogs from 2001-05.
McNeil felt pressure after high school to stay in-state and keep the family tradition alive. He chose instead to travel a new path and sign with Tennessee.
???I really thought I could contribute early here,??? McNeil said. ???I was comfortable here. I got along with the guys and the coaches. It was laid back; it felt like my kind of place.???
He will return to his home state Saturday to play in front of more than 20 family and friends, most of whom would classify themselves as Mississippi State fans on any other day.
???I warned them,??? McNeil said. ???No cowbells allowed.???
Regardless of who they support, McNeil???s supporters will have their eyes trained on the trenches.
With the success of the Tennessee offensive line thus far this season and the determination of the Mississippi state defensive front, the trenches may be exactly where this game is decided.??
