The Foundation for Success

To win in football, you must win in the trenches.  I am a big believer that the offensive line needs to be good for a football team to succeed.  Terry Hoeppner was also a big believer in this and he put a heavy emphasis on the offensive line in recruiting.  He brought in what he called "The Seven Blocks of Limestone".  The linemen in that recruiting class played early and took their knocks but they are now upperclassmen with a lot of experience.  The Hoosiers were forced to start seven different starting lineups on the line last year.  That hurt last year but now IU brings back nine of their top ten O-linemen.  Several players got game experience and that should help the line this season.

Left Tackle

-Rodger Saffold- Senior, 6'5", 306 lbs. from Bedford, Ohio.  

Saffold has a lot of experience.  He is completely healthy and he has added over 100 pounds to his bench press in the last two years.

-Andrew McDonald- RS Sophomore, 6'6", 290 lbs. from Warren Central in Indianapolis.  

McDonald is very talented and I think he will find himself getting quite a bit of time in the rotation.

Left Guard

-Justin Pagan- Sophomore, 6'5", 311 lbs. from Chicago, Illinois.

Pagan started five games as a true freshman.  He was one of IU's better linemen when he played last year.  If Pagan can improve on his solid freshman campaign, the left guard spot will be solid.

-Marc Damish-RS Freshman, 6'6", 303 lbs. from Illinois.

Center

-Pete Saxon- Senior, 6'6", 303 lbs., from Plain City, Ohio.

Saxon has started 18 games in two years.  He is the leader of this unit.

-Will Matte- Redshirt Freshman, 6'2", 284 lbs. from Wheaton, Illinois.

I heard Bill Lynch on a local radio show on Tuesday.  He went out of his way to comment on the play of Matte in fall practice.  

Right Guard

-Cody Faulkner- Junior, 6'5", 308 lbs., from Hamilton Heights, IN

Faulkner started 11 games last year for the Hoosiers.  He played some tight end early in his career and he is good athlete that moves his feet well.  Faulkner needed to get stronger in the offseason, I will assume he did.

-Mike Reiter- Senior- 6'2", 300 lbs.

Reiter started four games last season.  Reiter is a veteran and he will get time in the rotation.

Right Tackle

-James Brewer-Junior, 6'8", 339 lbs., from Arlington High School in Indianapolis, IN

Brewer is a mammoth.  He played very little football in high school and his skills were raw.  If Brewer can progress, he has the body to be an NFL lineman.  The big man played basketball in high school which has probably helped his footwork as a lineman.

-Alex Perry-Junior, 6'7", 284 lbs., from Morris, Illinois

Perry has five starts in his career.  He rounds out what could be a pretty good offensive line.  

Tight Ends

-Max Dedmond- Sophomore, 6'5", 233 lbs.

Dedmond had four starts as a freshman.  Word out of camp is that IU is putting in some more sets that will utilize the tight end a little bit more in the passing game.  If they do, Dedmond will need to step up.

-Troy Wagner- Senior, 6'5", 271 lbs. 

Wagner is the veteran tight end and he is more of a blocker.  He had seven starts last season and might be used as a receiver in goal-line situations.

IU will need very good play out of their "Blocks of Limestone" if they want to be competitive.  In my opinion, this offensive line has the necessary experience to help IU have a productive offense.  Until next time, stay vigilant and God bless America.  (Thanks Fischer!)