.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Greg Studrawa always wanted a second chance to be an offensive coordinator. He only wishes the circumstances were different.
In his first official day as LSU's top offensive assistant, Studrawa said on Friday that it was hard for him to get excited when LSU head coach Les Miles first told him he'd be getting a promotion in order to ease the workload on Steve Kragthorpe, who has been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
''I was worried about Steve,'' Studrawa said. ''Steve and I had gotten pretty close through spring ball. I was worried about how things were going to be with him. After I talked to him, I got excited about this opportunity.''
The offensive coordinator for four seasons at Bowling Green, Studrawa joined Miles' LSU staff in 2007 as the offensive line coach. He was named the Tigers offensive coordinator Thursday.
Kragthorpe, who was hired by Miles as a replacement for offensive coordinator Gary Crowton last winter, will remain as quarterbacks coach.
Under Miles, the entire offensive staff has input in the weekly game plan. Therefore, the most significant change in the coaching shuffle involves play-calling. Studrawa takes over that role from Kragthorpe.
''It's exciting to call plays,'' Studrawa said. ''We've got a lot of great football minds in our (offensive meeting) room. All of those coaches will contribute. If we prepare well, I hope all five offensive assistants are seeing the same thing on game day.''
Few know Studrawa better than offensive linemen T-Bob Hebert and Josh Dworaczyk, a pair of fifth-year senior guards.
''Coach Stud has the pedigree,'' Hebert said. ''He was a successful offensive coordinator at Bowling Green. He knows our offense inside and out. He and coach Kragthorpe will work well together.
''It was a little disheartening when we heard about coach Kragthorpe. But, he's still here. He's not going anywhere. (The change in play-calling) really isn't a big deal. Things change, but not as much as you expect. The transition has been handled real well by all parties so far.''
Dworaczyk joked that LSU's offensive linemen will miss Studrawa's incessant yelling during games since he will now be stationed in the press box.
''It will be a little bit different in games with (Studrawa) not being on the sidelines,'' Dworaczyk said. ''Offensive linemen usually don't get on the phones. Maybe we'll get to go on the phones this year. ... I'm excited for him. With the team, nothing will change. As far as his play-calling, we'll just have to see in the season how everything works out.''
When Studrawa was the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green, the Falcons had a balanced offense. In Studrawa's first year on the job, Bowling Green finished third in the country in total offense - 11th in passing and 18th in rushing.
''At Bowling Green, it was an excellent opportunity for a line coach to learn the whole thing on offense,'' Studrawa said. ''I want to attack people. I want to be aggressive and take shots down the field. We have great playmakers. So, we are going to get them the football.
''Of course, we are still going to be physical and run the football. That's the foundation of our team. Coach Miles wants us to run the ball. You've got to be physical and run the ball to win in this conference. Coach Miles convinced me of this.''
Quarterback Jordan Jefferson said he has become close with Kragthrope and was relieved to know he would at least remain as quarterbacks coach.
''It was shocking when I first heard the news,'' Jefferson said. ''It would have been upsetting if he had to totally resign. But, he's still here and he's still coaching.''
Studrawa said he hopes he's not just ''filling in'' for Kragthrope.
''I don't feel like I'm an interim offensive coordinator,'' Studrawa said. ''I hope it works out and I'll be the offensive coordinator in the future.''
