Central Michigan University Athletics
Offensive Line Looks for Consistency During Spring
4/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Watch: Spring Practice Insider | Spring Practice Central
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Mike Cummings finds himself in a unique situation this spring.
The Chippewas lost a pair of four-year starters following the 2010 season in the form of center Colin Miller and guard Jeff Maddux . The duo combined to start 93 games on CMU's offensive line from 2007-10, and due to injuries Miller and and Maddux were the only two linemen to start all 12 games in 2010.
While those injuries prevented the line from developing chemistry and continuity last season, the silver lining is that five linemen with starting experience return in 2011: senior Rocky Weaver and juniors Darren Keyton , Jake Olson , Eric Fisher and Mike Repovz . Each has the versatility to play multiple positions, leaving it to Cummings to determine this spring how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
"The ability to move those guys around last year and get them experience helps us so much this year because now we can just drop them in, they know the calls and they have confidence to go in there and play," Cummings said. "You have to be able to play with instinct on the offensive line, and since those guys played last year they're now able to play with instinct."
Weaver is the veteran of the group, having started a combined 23 games at right and left tackle. He also made four starts at tight end as a redshirt freshman in 2008. Olson's 15 starts have come at left tackle, while Keyton's 11 career starts have been split between center and right guard. Repovz started the final five games in 2010 at right tackle.
Fisher may be the most versatile of the group. The 6-7, 295 pounder has started 11 games over the past two seasons: five at left tackle, four at right tackle and two at right guard. He also has lined up at center this spring.
"A lot of the things we do are similar, but when he moves to center that is the one position that is dissimilar," Cummings said. "Because he's such a seasoned player, he's able to get the line moving. He's a guy that means a lot to this program not only because he's experienced and a good athlete, but also because he does things right off the field."
Watch the CMU Sports Zone video above to hear more from both Cummings and Fisher.
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Mike Cummings finds himself in a unique situation this spring.
The Chippewas lost a pair of four-year starters following the 2010 season in the form of center Colin Miller and guard Jeff Maddux . The duo combined to start 93 games on CMU's offensive line from 2007-10, and due to injuries Miller and and Maddux were the only two linemen to start all 12 games in 2010.
While those injuries prevented the line from developing chemistry and continuity last season, the silver lining is that five linemen with starting experience return in 2011: senior Rocky Weaver and juniors Darren Keyton , Jake Olson , Eric Fisher and Mike Repovz . Each has the versatility to play multiple positions, leaving it to Cummings to determine this spring how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
"The ability to move those guys around last year and get them experience helps us so much this year because now we can just drop them in, they know the calls and they have confidence to go in there and play," Cummings said. "You have to be able to play with instinct on the offensive line, and since those guys played last year they're now able to play with instinct."
Weaver is the veteran of the group, having started a combined 23 games at right and left tackle. He also made four starts at tight end as a redshirt freshman in 2008. Olson's 15 starts have come at left tackle, while Keyton's 11 career starts have been split between center and right guard. Repovz started the final five games in 2010 at right tackle.
Fisher may be the most versatile of the group. The 6-7, 295 pounder has started 11 games over the past two seasons: five at left tackle, four at right tackle and two at right guard. He also has lined up at center this spring.
"A lot of the things we do are similar, but when he moves to center that is the one position that is dissimilar," Cummings said. "Because he's such a seasoned player, he's able to get the line moving. He's a guy that means a lot to this program not only because he's experienced and a good athlete, but also because he does things right off the field."
Watch the CMU Sports Zone video above to hear more from both Cummings and Fisher.
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