Thin purple line : Lack of depth to test Fayetteville offensive front
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
ANDY SHUPE Northwest Arkansas Times Fayetteville senior lineman Colby Berna moves forward during the Dogs ’ scrimmage Saturday at Harmon Field.
If Fayetteville is to defend its first-ever state football title, it must protect its sophomore signal-caller.
With depth lacking on the offensive line, that won't be easy for Daryl Patton's Purple Dogs. Only two starters return from last year's unit.
Lack of quality depth on the defensive line will also force several key players on the O-line to step up their contribution on both sides of the ball. That could tax an already short-handed group.
"Back when I was in school and really not that long ago, we never came out of the game," Patton said. "We played both sides all game long. We lack depth this year, which is a problem we haven't had in the past. We've always been able to go two deep without losing much. But this year we're going to need a few guys to play two or three series on the defensive line to help out. I really think our guys can handle it."
While Patton admitted he is concerned about his lineman playing both ways, his primary distress centers around the health of his offensive line.
"I think we can continue to do it as long as we stay healthy," Patton said. "If we can't, we're going to have to figure something out quickly."
Fayetteville was forced into a similar predicament last season following a rash of injuries to the defensive line. Starting left tackle Colby Berna was deployed to the defensive side on multiple series and excelled.
Berna (6-4, 290 ) is back at left tackle and is joined by left guard Tyler McKey (6-3, 285 ) as the lone two starters from last season. Health, though, has already become an issue for McKey, who is fighting knee issues.
"Those two have experience and give us a good nucleus of leadership to build around," Patton said. "They've been through the battles. Colby gives us so much leadership and he's hard-nosed with a good head on his shoulders. Tyler is really battling though a hurt knee and he's been there every day, working hard to get better."
Tim Heminger (5-10, 210 ) is slated to start at center. Heminger didn't start last season but did log significant playing time.
"Tim's a kid with a little experience and he's a very intelligent football player," Patton said. "He knows everyone's assignments and does a good job of calling our protections. He's not as big and strong as we'd like but he does a good job for us."
Junior Nathan Watson (6-0, 240 ) has earned the gig at right guard. Cody Gall (5-11, 245 ) is also working for snaps at right guard.
"I can't wait to see how good Nathan can be," Patton said. "He's getting better every day and continues to work hard. He's got to get better in the weightroom, which he will. We're in a situation where we've got to have him step up this year, which I think he will."
Senior Max Mulherin (6-0, 215 ) joins Watson on the right side at tackle.
"He's a three-year guy, who's put his time in and paid his dues," Patton said. "We expect him to have a great year. He's not real heavy but he moves well and he's intelligent. He doesn't make mental mistakes on his assignments."
Richard Vines (5-11, 240 ) has also been working at guard and tackle.
Several defensive linemen will also be key on the offensive side. Defensive end Cody Osbourn (6-4, 230 ) will back up Mulherin. Cory Harris will spell Heminger at center and will log snaps on the offensive line as well.
"I wouldn't say I'm comfortable with the amount of depth we have," Patton said. "We've got some depth but to get two-deep we have to bring defensive guys over. The key for us to be successful on offense is the offensive line.
"The kids have to grow up quick, step up and give us time to throw and allow us to establish a consistent running game. That's a lot to ask of kids who have never played varsity football. But we feel like they can do it."
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