The offensive line is the bodyguard of the offense, tasked with protecting the quarterback and creating room for the running game. And Northern Arizona can rest assure that its line is up to both tasks.
In 2012, the Lumberjacks' line was more than solid in protecting quarterback Cary Grossart, who had a 66.7 completion percent and threw for 1,997 yards. And on the ground, running back Zach Bauman racked up 1,182 yards, while the Lumberjacks netted a total of 1,909 rushing yards as a team.
With quite a few underclassmen on the line, NAU finished last season tied for sixth in the league in scoring offense with 31.6 points per game, fourth in rushing offense with 173.5 yards per game and seventh in total offense with 406.9 yards per game. The Lumberjacks finished 2012 ranked 36th in total offense in the Football Championship Subdivision, while Grossart ranked 22nd in the FCS in pass efficiency and Bauman 20th in rushing with an average of 107.45 yards per game.
Even better news: The offensive line in 2013 will be much more experienced than the one in 2012.
“With four starters returning, it helps the newcomers learn by example,” said offensive line coach Eric Reid. “A lot of these younger guys have an excellent opportunity to look at the guys over them to help them learn how to study the game."
Returning starters for the Lumberjacks on the line will be senior Kyle Walker and juniors Roy Garcia, Joe Gurski and Shane Moniz. Walker and Garcia started all 11 games, last year while Gurski started 10 and Moniz eight.
“This year, we are a lot more athletic,” Reid said. “We asked them to lean down and speed up as far as their physical training goes. I think they’re moving much faster than they were a year ago."
The consensus from the players was a similar one..
“This year’s O-line is coming together more,” said Garcia. “We’re beginning to understand each other and operate as a unit. I think we’re going to be really good this year.”
When asked who the leader of the offensive line was, Reid was quick with his answer.
“Without a doubt it’s Kyle Walker. He’s the only senior in the group, a very strong leader and a guy that everyone respects due to his great worth ethic. He’s a very unselfish player.”
With a few weeks left before the Lumberjacks hit the field, the offensive line's emphasis is on refining technique to prepare for the real hitting.
“We need to understand the ins and outs of our run and pass game,” Garcia said.
The goals for the O-line this season are quite simple: “Don’t allow any sacks, get Zach as many yards as possible and to protect the quarterback,” said Walker. “We’ve been playing really well together during camp, and the fact that we’re friends on and off the field really helps us out.”
Reid, for his part, mentioned one other area of improvement: "Consistency.”
If the NAU line can continue to improve in those areas, it should among the team's strengths in the upcoming season.
