2008 Woodie Awards
Offensive linemen lead by example
By: Daniel Monson
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Sports
A better spring
"The great thing if you look at the history of the offensive lines is that we've had here at Central - they've all had some great role models in terms of leadership," Jones said. "From a Drew Mormino to an Eric Ghiaciuc to a Joe Staley, the torch is kind of passed. Tunney kind of stepped up and he assumed that role and now with Tunney going, somebody else will assume that role."
Hartline said he and Wojt have taken responsibility as the spring has progressed. He said the responsibility for the development and leadership of the position now falls on them in the absence of departed senior Tunney.
"I think in the beginning of the winter we kind of were a little out of sorts. We kind of felt like our 'all-powerful leader' was gone," Hartline said. "But it's just like anything in life - you learn to adapt and I think when spring ball started, we were very comfortable being the leaders of the offensive line."
Also returning with the two seniors are sophomores Jeff Maddux and Colin Miller. Miller started every game for CMU at center, while Maddux filled in for departing senior Mike Decker at left guard after the fourth game of the season. Jones said junior Allen Ollenburger has been starting on the No. 1 squad for the majority of the spring.
"I'm very pleased in the development. We've still got a ways to go; we're a work in progress, but I think the line as a whole group has had a very productive spring," Jones said. "They're one of the closest-knit groups we have on our football team and they hold each other accountable."
Last year's spring practice was filled with doubt about the unit. Injuries to both returning seniors and large inexperience at the position were major concerns. However, a season of leading the MAC in offense erased the worries. Hartline said a year under Jones' system has also helped gain some continuity.
"Spring's been totally different compared to last year. Last year we were sloppy, we were messy, we didn't know what was going on," he said. "It was pretty much a completely new offense. A lot of people think it's the same, but it's really not. This year it's just two or three guys that have to go through that."
More injury trouble
Senior running back Justin Hoskins sported a walking boot Thursday and missed practice for the first time this spring, Jones said.
Hoskins tweaked his ankle Tuesday in practice, and there is no timetable for his return.
"It kind of hampered him throughout the course of the entire season last year and then re-aggravated it again in the Motor City Bowl and he hasn't quite been himself," Jones said.
sports@cm-life.com
"The great thing if you look at the history of the offensive lines is that we've had here at Central - they've all had some great role models in terms of leadership," Jones said. "From a Drew Mormino to an Eric Ghiaciuc to a Joe Staley, the torch is kind of passed. Tunney kind of stepped up and he assumed that role and now with Tunney going, somebody else will assume that role."
Hartline said he and Wojt have taken responsibility as the spring has progressed. He said the responsibility for the development and leadership of the position now falls on them in the absence of departed senior Tunney.
"I think in the beginning of the winter we kind of were a little out of sorts. We kind of felt like our 'all-powerful leader' was gone," Hartline said. "But it's just like anything in life - you learn to adapt and I think when spring ball started, we were very comfortable being the leaders of the offensive line."
Also returning with the two seniors are sophomores Jeff Maddux and Colin Miller. Miller started every game for CMU at center, while Maddux filled in for departing senior Mike Decker at left guard after the fourth game of the season. Jones said junior Allen Ollenburger has been starting on the No. 1 squad for the majority of the spring.
"I'm very pleased in the development. We've still got a ways to go; we're a work in progress, but I think the line as a whole group has had a very productive spring," Jones said. "They're one of the closest-knit groups we have on our football team and they hold each other accountable."
Last year's spring practice was filled with doubt about the unit. Injuries to both returning seniors and large inexperience at the position were major concerns. However, a season of leading the MAC in offense erased the worries. Hartline said a year under Jones' system has also helped gain some continuity.
"Spring's been totally different compared to last year. Last year we were sloppy, we were messy, we didn't know what was going on," he said. "It was pretty much a completely new offense. A lot of people think it's the same, but it's really not. This year it's just two or three guys that have to go through that."
More injury trouble
Senior running back Justin Hoskins sported a walking boot Thursday and missed practice for the first time this spring, Jones said.
Hoskins tweaked his ankle Tuesday in practice, and there is no timetable for his return.
"It kind of hampered him throughout the course of the entire season last year and then re-aggravated it again in the Motor City Bowl and he hasn't quite been himself," Jones said.
sports@cm-life.com
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