It’s a game of inches that’s won in the trenches.
Those football clichés are about as old as the game itself, but they hold true nonetheless.
In an offense such as Gus Malzahn’s, the glory, the flashy moments – all go to the skill positions.
The quick quarterbacks, the bulky, bruising running backs, they soak up all the glory, while the offensive linemen push their opponents every which way down the field to clear a lane for skill players to the end zone.
Even without the glory, the importance of the position doesn’t falter.
And the belief doesn’t either.
This year’s offensive line believes they can be an integral part in putting together a special season on the Plains.
Alex Kozan, who is returning from a season-ending back injury, said a goal for this line is to be the top in the conference.
“I want to play the whole season healthy and help this offensive line be the best in the SEC,” Kozan said. “If we can do that, the rest will come.”
The guard said he thinks, at this point, there is a ton of potential for where this group can go.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that understand their jobs,” Kozan said. “As a group, we’ve got some talented guys.”
The talent Kozan spoke of isn’t lacking, but with all that talent, there has to be control.
Shon Coleman said a true leader hasn’t yet emerged, but one should step up by opening day in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“I couldn’t even name a leader right now,” Coleman said. “All the older guys are speaking up. It’s kind like a democracy. A lot of the guys are pushing each other out there, and I’m sure a leader will emerge this fall.”
Kozan just may be one of those leaders.
Coleman said having him back will be a huge boost to the line.
“It’s great to have him back,” Coleman said. “He’s a guy that has a lot of knowledge and experience, so he can help the younger guys out.”
Coleman added, for the line to get where they want to be, they have got to to focus on all the minute details of the game.
“We’re just about getting better every day,” Coleman said. “Like offensive line coach [JB] Grimes stresses, it’s all about the little things, so we work from the little things up just to make sure we can go out there and compete at a high level.”
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