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VERO BEACH, Fla. – The USF offensive line will have a new look in 2011 after the departures of three seniors, Jamar Bass, Sampson Genus and Jacob Sims, who combined to play in 116 games and start 77. But, they've left the trenches in good shape as seniors Chaz Hine and Jeremiah Warren step into the leadership roles along the offensive front.
"Obviously, we lost three pretty good players that played well for us last year," said offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler. "It's been kind of neat chemistry. We have different guys with different strengths and some weaknesses. You can't say you replace somebody, but you certainly can step up to that standard. We have guys that are trying to do that."
Hine has played in 33 career games, starting 25, while Warren has also seen time in 33 games, but started 26. The duo has played a lot of football for USF and is in tune with what coach Shankweiler looks for in offensive linemen, which makes them a solid foundation to build around.
"They've got tremendous work ethic," Shankweiler noted. "They're bright guys, smart, intelligent. Because of that, they have a little bit more of an uncommon desire to succeed."
Normally, with the loss of three seniors, the offensive line coach would be looking to get as many reps as possible to help the first team jell, but Shankweiler feels confident in this group. And, unlike last year, there is some depth, both in talent and in numbers, that has allowed him to spread the reps around.
With a recruiting class that included five offensive linemen and the addition of a couple of walk-ons, the USF offense brought 19 linemen to camp as opposed to the 12 or 13 it worked with last season. It has allowed not only the competition to increase, but also the opportunity to keep everyone fresh as the Bulls get deeper into camp.
"Last year, we didn't have much depth and we had very few numbers," Shankweiler added. "But, right now, we've got 19 guys in camp. We're able to focus a lot of our attention on them for the future and not beat up our older guys, so it makes it a little bit healthier situation for the guys that have played."
As the reps have been spread throughout the group,it has allowed the veterans to fine-tune their craft, while providing mentorship to the newcomers on the plays and scheme that is being implemented.
"In the words of the coach, it was more what do we do last year and now we know what we're doing," Warren explained. "Now, it's all about the technique. We have a better understanding, so, any time they have questions, we're talking to them, and even when they don't have questions, we're checking up on them."
Overall, the group is pleased with the progress it's made throughout fall camp and their excited to see it all come together when the season kicks off.
"The talent that we have is really impressive," Hine added. "In the first couple of days, the offensive line was kind of slow because we had to get used to each other again. We work as one cohesive unit. But as we continue to go, we're getting closer and closer together."
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