O-Line by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 1, Issue 5 September 24, 2002 When I look at pro football players of the past, there are certain people that stand out. Quarterbacks like Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw, or runners such as Walter Payton or Barry Sanders. There are also those defensive players like Lawrence Taylor or Dick Butkis. Say a nickname; Sweetness, Juice, the Fridge, etc, and football fans know exactly who you are talking about. Even with today's players you could say a position and more than likely, name a stand out player. With this in mind, how many offensive lineman can any of us name? When Donovan McNabb scores on a quarterback sneak, who hikes the ball and leads the way? When Terrell Davis ran for hundreds of yards every game, there must have been someone creating holes and making blocks. Unfortunately, lineman will never receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. You really have to love the game of football to be an offensive lineman. Obviously in our young budding football careers, none of us Sirens are expecting fame or fortune. The best we can hope for right now is the possibility of our name in the paper or a highlight on television. Once again, there are the positions that are going to get the recognition (quarterbacks, running backs, defenders), and those that won't. Even the Defensive line receive some recognition through stats; # of tackles, sacks, etc. There is no stat for number of great blocks or holes created for the O-line. The only time an O-line name is mentioned during a game is on a penalty. As a running back, I rely on the O-line. It was reiterated to me during a scrimmage the other night just how important they really are. I took a handoff and turned to run through a hole when I was "greeted" by a defender who proceeded to flatten me to the ground. I don't think I have ever taken a hit that hard; the bells are still ringing in my head. It was brought to my attention that a lineman had missed a blocking assignment. As I stood off on the sideline trying to gather my thoughts, I realized a very important fact. We have been out practicing for four to five months now, running hundreds of plays, and that was the first time I had a strait-open shot taken at me. Then I thought about the numerous times where I have run with the ball and the holes were so open (due to the great blocks) that I was virtually untouched. If I have to take one hard hit for every twenty times I run the ball; that is pretty good odds. The reason a back is able to gain yards or a QB is able to throw a pass is due in large part to the line and their ability to create holes and buy time. Between the guard, center and tackle positions, there are 10 offensive lineman on the Sirens roster. Coach McCann (the O-line coach) sums it up perfectly by stating, "Each one could start and complete any game without me having to worry whether or not they will perform well." So, although there may never be an offensive lineman named player of the year, without each one of them where would we be? Robin, Amy, Lindsay, Margie, Jethro, Trish, Jeny, Pam, Andreana and Carol; you are the foundation onto which the offense stands and thrives.     Back