Chizik: OLine isn't even close . . .

[CyValley]

Last night during his radio call-in show, Gene was asked what is the next big step the OLine needs to take to become a solid, efficient run-blocking unit. Does the line need more:

1) Athleticism (that is, recruiting is the solution)

2) On-the-job-training, that is, experience, because the unit is so young (meaning we've got the guys on the roster to get the job done)

The caller mentioned that a year ago Gene said that the OLine was in dire need of more athleticism. Last night, Gene said that in regard to athleticism, the OLine right now is (in a low-toned voice, the words spaced out for emphasis) "not . . . even . . . close."

Gene said ISU will sign 4-5 OLinemen in the upcoming class because ISU still has such a long way to go to get the OLine athletes it needs on the field.

I was surprised about how emphatic Gene was about the unit's shortcomings. Many of us have assumed that we've got the guys on the roster to become the type of line that we're all hungry for.

We don't, according to Gene.

Although it appears that if we sign 4-5 OLinemen in this year's class, we'll only be replacing graduating seniors. As best I know, these are the scholarship OLinemen who are playing their final season for the Cyclones:

Joe Blaes, OG
Doug Dedrick, OT
Brandon Johnson, OG/C
Joe Vanstrom, OT

The good news is, I guess, that the guys we do have right now are so young that they should have a lot of room to develop and get better while the coaches are rounding up the OLine athletes that they desire for future Cyclone teams.

 

[mt85]

So far this year, ISU has struggled to achieve any consistency moving the ball on the ground.

There are a lot of young guys in the 2 deep of the oline that have been mentioned as having a lot of potential (ie Scott Haughton Fr., Kelechi Osemele Fr.#, and Hayworth Hicks So.). Having any of these players been seeing an increase in playing time as the season has progressed or have the starters solidified their positions?

 

[mustangcy]

Can someone in the know tell what happened to Kelechi Osemele? I thought he was supposed to be the second coming but I've very little about him and I don't even think he starts.

 

[BryceC]

This is why the only talk of Haughton to DL is on this board. We need athletes on the OL.

 

[snowcraig2.0]

My predicted startin lineup for 09 on the Oline:

LT- Hicks
LG- Stephens
C- Lamaak
RG- KO
RT- Haughton

 

[Clones85']

My predicted startin lineup for 09 on the Oline:

LT- Hicks
LG- Stephens
C- Lamaak
RG- KO
RT- Haughton

That would have Lamaak moving 3 times in 3 years. Not a good formula for success

 

[The_Architect]

The O-Line was opening up some monster holes in the KU game. Our running game game to a screeching halt when KU started run blitzing the bejesus out of us in the second half.

 

[jdoggivjc]

The O-Line was opening up some monster holes in the KU game. Our running game game to a screeching halt when KU started run blitzing the bejesus out of us in the second half.

And, of course, that's when you've gotta call play action pass and throw it over the middle with confidence.

 

[guitarchitect7]

The O-Line was opening up some monster holes in the KU game. Our running game game to a screeching halt when KU started run blitzing the bejesus out of us in the second half.

Sorry, I would have to disagree. I run game came to a halt on the second drive of the whole game. The first drive they saw things we haven't ran much this year with the QB reads. We did well that first drive. But then they made adjustments and we were lucky to get 4 yards a carry after that.

 

[DaddyMac]

I'm not saying this because I think our line is anything special.

But does anyone else get the impression that Gene has a bit of the "Doctor Doom" persona that LE used to have?

That the glass is perpetually half empty, if for no other reason than to push the players?

He'll never let us believe that things are as good as they may be, nor will he admit that things are as bad either.

 

[Cyclones78227]

I'm not saying this because I think our line is anything special.

But does anyone else get the impression that Gene has a bit of the "Doctor Doom" persona that LE used to have?

That the glass is perpetually half empty, if for no other reason than to push the players?

He'll never let us believe that things are as good as they may be, nor will he admit that things are as bad either.

Just tell me that Gene isn't at the bar, and drinking with coeds on the road. Please tell me he travels with the team.

 

[bmuff]

My predicted startin lineup for 09 on the Oline:

LT- Hicks
LG- Stephens
C- Lamaak
RG- KO
RT- Haughton

I like the look of that OL. Some real maulers there. I agree that Lamaak to center is probably the only way to get KO on the field assuming he's one of our five best. I wonder what happens to Hicks if Carpenter signs.

 

[psychlone99]

As best I know, these are the scholarship OLinemen who are playing their final season for the Cyclones:

Joe Blaes, OG
Doug Dedrick, OT
Brandon Johnson, OG/C
Joe Vanstrom, OT

The real question is who will stand on the bench and wave a towel wildly over his head after Vanstrom graduates? No doubt we'll experience a significant drop off in towel-waving ability in 2009, but these types of growing pains come with the territory.

 

[markshir]

If we move Lamaak to center could we run a play where he fakes the snap to Arnaud and then drops back and throws a strike to the end zone?

No clue if it's legal, but god that would be a sweet play. I wonder how many OL played QB in high school. I know it's common for HS QBs to move positions, but that can't be something that happens much.

 

[hfour]

I don't think he is "Doctor Doom". I think he is telling the truth. He has been around the best college football has to offer. He doesn't see it here, but is working to build it. He knows exactly what he needs.

 

[CyValley]

. . . does anyone else get the impression that Gene has a bit of the "Doctor Doom" persona that LE used to have? . . .

You remind me of something Gene said last night. At one point, he said, paraphrasing him, "I'm not satisfied. But maybe I'll never be satisfied."

Hey, you're onto something here. Gene appears to have perfectionist tendencies.

 

[markshir]

If a head coach ever says he's satisfied with his team... his expectations are too low.

 

[throwittoblythe]

If a head coach ever says he's satisfied with his team... his expectations are too low.

Exactly. I guarantee no team in the history of football has ever played a perfect game. There will always be dropped passes, miss blocking assignments, bad routes, etc. Even Oklahoma has things to improve upon every week.

 

[wheels686]

This is how I would like the ol next year

LT- James Carpenter ( if he committs here)
LG- Reggie Stephens
C- Ben Laamak
RG- KO
RT- Matt Hulbert and hoping he gets to over 300 pounds next year

 

[snowcraig2.0]

This is how I would like the ol next year

LT- James Carpenter ( if he committs here)
LG- Reggie Stephens
C- Ben Laamak
RG- KO
RT- Matt Hulbert and hoping he gets to over 300 pounds next year

I think Hulbert is our weakest spot on the line right now. How many times has AA gotten his arm grabbed by a DE coming from the weak side? I am hopeful Hicks, Haughton, or Carpenter will be an upgrade for us.