WholeHogSports
Offensive line position of strength for Hogs in 2008
Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008
URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/nwat/67221/
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of nine stories previewing the 2008 Arkansas Razorbacks position by position.
If one were to label any position as a known quantity for the Arkansas Razorbacks going into their first season under the guidance of Bobby Petrino, it would have to be the offensive line.
Despite losing two starters — tackle Nate Garner and guard Robert Felton — from last fall, the Razorbacks return a large, experienced and athletic group of linemen, who have grown used to having their way on the gridiron during the fall.
The Razorbacks have led the Southeastern Conference in rushing seven of the past eight seasons, and while Petrino’s offense stands to be more balanced this season, Arkansas’ linemen do know how to carry their weight and they are not looking for a letdown this year.
“ I think it’s safe to say we won’t gain as many rushing yards this season, ” guard Mitch Petrus said after spring practice. “ A big part of that is the loss of Darren [McFadden ] and Felix [Jones ] to the NFL. But it’s also because we are going to be a more balanced and diverse offense this season. We may not rush for as many, but we may have more total yards.
“ We’re going to have a totally different look. Teams are going to be surprised because they won’t know if we are going to run or pass. That makes a huge difference. Just that little element of uncertainty when the ball is snapped makes such a big difference. ”
Leading the charge up front is one of the Razorbacks’ most decorated linemen ever in Jonathan Luigs of Little Rock.
Winning the 2007 Rimington Trophy, which honors the nation’s best center, as a junior and twice being named All-American places Luigs (6-4, 311 ) in a unique position in Razorback history.
Luigs is one of 11 Razorbacks to be named a two-time All-American and he has an opportunity to be Arkansas’ first-ever three-time All-American.
“ Luigs is a really good player, ” Petrino said in the spring. “ He really makes your running game because you get a lot of cutbacks with how quick and how dominant he can play there. ”
Luigs is a humble young man, who doesn’t really enjoy the hype and attention brought on by his postseason decorations. But, his leadership shows on the field, in practice and in the weight room.
“ Lining up next to Luigs, there is a lot of trust there, ” Petrus said. “ You know he’s going to do his job, and that makes you want to work even harder to make sure you get your job done, too. It carries over to the other guys. ”
Petrino has made no bold statements about the Hogs ’ offensive front, but he does believe the line is the foundation of his offense.
“ I’ll always believe our offense will go as our offensive front goes, ” Petrino said. “ Therefore there will be a lot of pressure on [offensive line coach ] Mike [Summers ]. I think the thing he does as well as anybody I’ve been around is making them understand that. They will be the closest group. ”
At the close of spring practice, senior guard Petrus (6-4, 306 ) of Camden and senior tackle Jose Valdez (6-5, 313 ) of St. Francis, Wis., return as starters and sophomore tackle Ray Dominguez (6-4, 315 ) of Bainbridge, Ga., and Lancaster, Texas sophomore guard DeMarcus Love (6-5, 302 ) played extensively as backups a year ago.
Summers is not the type of coach to pass out praise. He made the point that his linemen are making as big a transition as any players on the team, but as spring drills geared down, he said his troops were getting a better feel for the offense.
“ In order to be a good offensive line, all five guys have got to work together, ” Summers said. “ Now we are getting, two, three and four and every now and again, five. Our consistency is not what it needs to be, but I can see us moving in the direction of consistency. ”
Two backups who made progress were sophomore guard Wade Grayson (6-4, 292 ) of Harrison and junior tackle Michael Aguirree (6-5, 315 ) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Grayson is very physical and Aguirre pushed Valdez, usurping the starting spot for a week of spring practice.
“ We feel like we can be a good offensive line, ” Luigs said in the spring. “ The key is working and improving day by day. The more we learn and the more reps we get in preseason practice the better we’ll be. I think as long as we stay healthy, we’ll continue to improve as we get into the season. We’re looking forward to showing what we can do. ”