Central Michigan University Athletics
11/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
MOUNT PLEASANT - Rocky Weaver might be the best pass-catching offensive lineman in all of college football.
Central Michigan's senior tight-end-turned-lineman has developed into one of the Mid-American Conference's most consistent performers at the position over the past three seasons, but it's a role he would have had a hard time envisioning when he arrived on campus in 2007.
Weaver is among the most accomplished and decorated receivers in the history of Michigan high school football. A two-time all-state selection at Harper Creek High School, Weaver finished his career with the third most receiving yards (2,877) and fifth most receptions (154) in state history. (His yardage total currently ranks fourth, while his receptions total is now 10th in state history.)
He arrived at CMU as a tight end, redshirting in 2007 before catching eight passes in 11 games in 2008. Following the 2008 campaign, he was asked by the coaching staff to move to the offensive line.
"I kind of knew it was going to happen," Weaver said. "I could see it coming, especially with the depth we had on the offensive line the next year. I definitely wasn't a huge fan of it at the time, but you've got to do what's best for the team.
"It's what needed to be done," he added. "It's how teams work. You do what might not be the best for you, but what is best for the good of the cause and what it takes to win."
Weaver's athleticism served as a dual benefit following the position change. Not only was he able to quickly adapt to his new role, but he proved capable of filling a number of needs along the offensive front. Between 2009-11, Weaver started a total of 31 games at right tackle, left tackle and right guard.
Still, despite the success at his adopted position, Weaver easily recalls the top moment of his collegiate career: a 2-yard touchdown reception from Antonio Brown that gave the Chippewas the lead in an eventual 38-28 win over Western Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in 2008.
"That is my favorite memory," Weaver said. "Other than the MAC championship, that is my favorite individual memory."
Unfortunately, Weaver's career met a premature end when an injury suffered against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 15 forced him off the field for the remainder of his senior season. As the 2011 season entered its final month, Weaver again found himself in a new role: serving as a mentor to the two freshman starters who have stepped in to fill an injury depleted line.
"I'm living through them now," Weaver said. "I'm playing through them. It's a complete change of focus, where you're not worried about getting dressed and who you're playing against, but now you're more worried for the guy who is playing your spot."
And so Rocky Weaver's collegiate career ends in virtually the same place it began: putting team before self, taking on a new role and setting an example of selflessness for his teammates to follow.
Central Michigan's senior tight-end-turned-lineman has developed into one of the Mid-American Conference's most consistent performers at the position over the past three seasons, but it's a role he would have had a hard time envisioning when he arrived on campus in 2007.
Weaver is among the most accomplished and decorated receivers in the history of Michigan high school football. A two-time all-state selection at Harper Creek High School, Weaver finished his career with the third most receiving yards (2,877) and fifth most receptions (154) in state history. (His yardage total currently ranks fourth, while his receptions total is now 10th in state history.)
He arrived at CMU as a tight end, redshirting in 2007 before catching eight passes in 11 games in 2008. Following the 2008 campaign, he was asked by the coaching staff to move to the offensive line.
"I kind of knew it was going to happen," Weaver said. "I could see it coming, especially with the depth we had on the offensive line the next year. I definitely wasn't a huge fan of it at the time, but you've got to do what's best for the team.
"It's what needed to be done," he added. "It's how teams work. You do what might not be the best for you, but what is best for the good of the cause and what it takes to win."
Weaver's athleticism served as a dual benefit following the position change. Not only was he able to quickly adapt to his new role, but he proved capable of filling a number of needs along the offensive front. Between 2009-11, Weaver started a total of 31 games at right tackle, left tackle and right guard.
Still, despite the success at his adopted position, Weaver easily recalls the top moment of his collegiate career: a 2-yard touchdown reception from Antonio Brown that gave the Chippewas the lead in an eventual 38-28 win over Western Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in 2008.
"That is my favorite memory," Weaver said. "Other than the MAC championship, that is my favorite individual memory."
Unfortunately, Weaver's career met a premature end when an injury suffered against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 15 forced him off the field for the remainder of his senior season. As the 2011 season entered its final month, Weaver again found himself in a new role: serving as a mentor to the two freshman starters who have stepped in to fill an injury depleted line.
"I'm living through them now," Weaver said. "I'm playing through them. It's a complete change of focus, where you're not worried about getting dressed and who you're playing against, but now you're more worried for the guy who is playing your spot."
And so Rocky Weaver's collegiate career ends in virtually the same place it began: putting team before self, taking on a new role and setting an example of selflessness for his teammates to follow.
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