"Countdown To Kickoff": The Offensive Line
Editor's Note: This is the fourth installment of an
eight-part series produced by the FSU Athletics Communications
Office looking at different position groups as the Bulldogs prepare
for their 2010 season opener on Friday, Sept. 3, at
Hillsdale.
Big Rapids, Mich. - It has often been said that quality counts more
than quantity.
While the Ferris State University football team only returns a pair
of starters and a handful of veterans along its offensive line this
fall, the Bulldogs believe those who return have the tools and
ability to become a formidable unit.
"We lost a couple of guys to graduation, but we're excited about
the guys coming back and what they can bring to the table," said
FSU head coach Jeff Pierce.
FSU's offensive line strength should come on the inside where the
Bulldogs welcome back two starters and a trio of experienced
players in junior center Jake
Hancock (Big Rapids) along with senior guards
Scott
Shattuck (Lowell/Ionia) and Joe Voiles
(Flushing/Grand Blanc).
A team captain, Shattuck will be expected to lead a relatively
young line in first-year offensive coordinator Chris
Boden's system.
"Scott's a strong and intense player who works hard," Boden
said. "He's a leader for us and really offers a physical
presence."
The 6-2, 283-pound Shattuck will shift to right guard this fall
after seeing action on both the left side and at center earlier in
his playing career. He started seven games in 2009 and was a
GLIAC All-Academic Team honoree for the second-straight year.
Previously, he started all 11 contests at center in 2008 and
briefly spent time with the defensive line in the spring of '09
before moving back to the offensive side last fall.
Shattuck will be joined as a returning starter by Hancock, a local
product who emerged a season ago and started all 11 games at the
center spot. He was tabbed as FSU's Most Outstanding
Offensive Rookie in 2009 and is another veteran who should help
lead the team.
"Jake is an all-league caliber player up front who has great feet
and moves well," said Boden.
Boden and third-year offensive line coach Eric
Ravellette also expect big things from Voiles, who will
likely be pegged for the starting role at left guard. The
three-year letterwinner appeared in all 11 games while making four
starts last season.
"Joe will be counted on to make a big impact this year," Boden
said. "He's a strong and physical player who can handle both
the run and the pass."
With three veterans solidifying the interior positions up front,
the Bulldogs will most likely count on a pair of sophomores to step
into starting assignments at the tackle positions where FSU must
replace two-year starters Matt Wellman and Brad Bammert.
The right tackle position should be filled by Trevor
Smolinski (Battle Creek/Marshall), who played in four
games as a reserve last fall and enters his third year in the
program. He figures to be joined on the opposite side at
left tackle by Taylor
Sprague (Saranac/Lowell), a talented prospect who
started two contests and appeared in nine games last season.
Smolinski and Sprague both have tremendous height at 6-7 and 6-6,
respectively, with both topping out around the 300-pound
mark. Sprague earned the team's Spring Offensive Most
Improved Player honor for his efforts in spring ball.
Behind the five projected starters, the Bulldogs won't have a whole
lot of experience back although talent can be found.
Sophomore Taylor
Phillips (Orion/Lake Orion) could push for a starting
role and significant time after being utilized in all 11 games last
campaign as both a reserve lineman, H-Back and fullback in the old
offensive system. He earned the team's Offensive Bulldog Award
for his tenacity in spring drills and should help provide a solid
blocking presence.
Two redshirt freshmen, Samuel
Parker (Muskegon/Mona Shores) and Brad
Boehmer (Olivet), could also be part of the mix
following solid first years in the program and should help provide
depth along the way.
The Bulldogs are also high on several incoming freshmen who could
play this fall depending on injuries and performance. They
include three talented signees at over 300 pounds apiece in
James
Patrick (Harper Woods), Tyler
Prybylla (Michigan City, Ind.) and Jacob
Davis (Grant Township/Port Huron Northern) among
others.
The offensive line should also be aided this season by the return
of the tight end spot to the offensive system.
"Our offensive line as a whole had a good spring and we have high
expectations for them," said Boden.
"There's a good mix of veterans and youth who have some ability and
Coach Ravellette does a great job with them so we're excited."
Next Installment: The "Countdown To Kickoff" series will
resume on Tuesday (Aug. 31) with a look at the defensive
line.
