Offensive line returns four starters, readies for new quarterback and offense

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One of the biggest topics of the day Tuesday at CMU football media day, literally, was the unit in charge of protecting Radcliff once the season begins.

The Chippewas return four starters from last year’s offensive line, including senior center Colin Miller. Miller is on the preseason watch list for the 2010 Rimington Trophy, given to the best center in the country annually.

Junior guard Rocky Weaver and senior guard Jeff Maddux combine with Miller to create a strong middle that will make defenders tough to penetrate.

“We are all busy trying to get better, we are all putting on weight and continually working out and trying to create better relationships on the field,” said Weaver. “We spent a lot of time together last year as an offense.”

Six-foot, 8-inch sophomore Jake Olson is a staple at left tackle. As a freshman, Olson started in 12 games and was an intricate part of an offensive line that helped the Chippewas lead the Mid-American Conference in scoring last season.

With those four returning this season the offensive line has a lot of size and experience, which should help sophomore quarterback Ryan Radcliff in his first season.

Working in at the other tackle position has been sophomores Darren Keyton and Eric Fisher. Keyton competed in all 14 games in 2009 and made his first career start again Western Michigan last October, while Fisher made two starts and played in eight games last season.

“We feel very good about those guys,” Enos said. “We definitely feel the offensive line is one of the strong points on our team.”

Without quarterback Dan LeFevour’s threat to run the ball, running schemes will be a little different this season while the team searches for new ways to run the ball.

Weaver said that even though Radcliff is not as mobile as LeFevour was, he makes up for it with his arm.

“There was a lot of times we bailed out Dan (LeFevour), and there were a lot of times where Dan bailed us out,” Weaver said. “We built good together last year and I dont think it will be too big of a change.”

A healthy and consistent offensive line could prove to play a big role if the Chippewas are to be successful in the upcoming football season.