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Injury to center Alex Herron means more shuffling and another challenge.
By PETE YOUNG
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 21, 2001
Pancake blocks notwithstanding, offensive linemen just don't accumulate tasty statistics.
The numbers people digest in newspapers and in fantasy leagues ignore the laborers in the trenches who make it possible.
The South Florida offensive line compiled statistics at Pittsburgh, however, that would make "Hogs" everywhere feel like chowing down another stack of flapjacks:
USF quarterback Marquel Blackwell attempted 65 passes. He incurred zero sacks: 0-for-65.
Blackwell handed off 21 times. No ball carrier was tackled for a loss: 0-for-21.
Blackwell had a few rushing attempts for a loss. Otherwise, the Bulls took nary a step back while accumulating a school-record 97 offensive plays and 443 yards in the stunning 35-26 win.
"The offensive line did a great job," USF coach Jim Leavitt said. "They played with purpose, they played with great focus."
After graduating three starters, including NFL fourth-round draft pick Kenyatta Jones, the line was supposed to be in flux. But in just the second game of the season, the front five dominated a Pittsburgh defense that led the Big East with 35 sacks last season.
The reward was delectable.
"We took them to eat at Hooters, got them some wings," Blackwell said. "Sixty-five passes with no sacks? They earned it."
Unfortunately, the newly settled line is back in a state of flux for Saturday's game at Memphis. Redshirt freshman center Alex Herron sprained a knee ligament and will be out two to six weeks.
Let the reshuffling begin.
Right guard Jimmy Fitts will move to center. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound senior has 24 career starts, zero at center. Two players will replace Fitts: freshman Levi Newton (6-4, 305) and former starting right tackle Ken "Shaq" Dawson (6-6, 295).
Getting the ball to Blackwell in USF's shotgun offense would seem the obvious concern. Fitts played center throughout the spring and was practicing shotgun snaps every day just in case.
"I feel really confident," Fitts said. "We have a session before practice where all the centers snap for about 15 minutes. We've had a few communication problems (with the new linemen), but practices have been good. We hope to shore everything up."
Added offensive line coach Greg Frey: "The big concern is those guys meshing together and getting a feel for each other. They need repetitions and experience."
The other three positions should remain intact: left tackle, junior Mike Snellgrove (6-6, 290 pounds); left guard, senior Matt Sparrowhawk (6-3, 285), a former walk-on; and right tackle, redshirt freshman Derrick Sarosi (6-6, 295). With Fitts at center, another possibility is Sarosi moving to right guard, with Dawson plugged back in at right tackle.
The revamped line jelled quickly despite the extra pressure created by a no-huddle, shotgun, spread-formation offense.
Because of the quick tempo, the linemen must be in better cardiovascular condition. USF typically uses three or four receivers, so it infrequently gets blocking help from tight ends or running backs. And, of course, the center must deliver an accurate shotgun snap every play.
On the flip side, USF's short pass patterns and Blackwell's pocket presence are major benefits for the offensive line.
"It really helps that Marquel can run. He's so elusive," Frey said. "And (the up-tempo offense) really feeds off itself."
While recognition from outsiders is rare, the performance of the line has drawn the attention of those who matter, its coaches and teammates. If the tweaked unit can perform well again, it might receive a bigger reward.
"I told them, 'Another no-sack game, and I'll up the stakes a bit and we'll go (out to eat) somewhere better,' " Blackwell said. "We've got to keep them hungry."