Experienced Offensive Line Ready To Lead Again

As the football Eagles ready for their spring ball, two numbers on the offensive line bring great optimism for next fell – seven and 10.

While the big men up front usually stand behind much larger digits - be it in stature or on their uniform - these two specific numbers symbolize experience that will help the youthful offense bloom, and in the process continue to cement Boston College as "O-Line University."

"[We've] got seven guys with 10 starts under their belt, and another guy that's ready to take off and really roll," head coach Steve Addazio said in his spring primer press conference on Thursday. "So, we've got depth and we've got experience. Barring any unforeseen, real devastating injuries, we should have one of the better offensive lines in the ACC."

In fact, the seven experienced linemen – Jon Baker, Aaron Monteiro, Chris Lindstrom, Sam Schmal, John Phillips, Elijah Johnson and Ben Petrula – have combined for 139 starts over the past four seasons.

The group has also brought a versatility that has allowed Addazio and company to work through some of those devastating injuries they have suffered in the past, including the loss of Johnson for the entire season last year, and Baker for all but one game.

"Look at the versatility and depth now," Addazio noted. "Not only do we have seven guys with 10 starts, but we have seven guys that are fairly interchangeable. Left side, right side, guard to tackle, center to guard, guard to center, that's what you want."

The value of the offensive line, and their ability to adapt, was evident last season as they helped first-year starters Anthony Brown at quarterback and AJ Dillon at running back, get their feet under them and become vicious weapons moving forward.

They helped the running game to an average of 220.4 yards per game, 25^th best in the NCAA, and allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked only 15 sacks on the year, seventh fewest in the country.

Addazio did say that the rehabilitation of both Johnson and Baker was going well, but that it was unlikely either would be on the field during spring practices.

This should provide ample opportunity for some of the other bodies to interject themselves into the mix and give the team that eighth and/or ninth guy that solidifies things up as coach desires.

"Perfect world you want eight, nine is fantastic," Addazio said. "You want at least seven. We'll probably have nine guys that we can play with at a fairly high level. Guaranteed eight. I don't want to talk too much about it. I feel like I'm going to jinx it."

Having numbers on the line is always a necessity, and the Eagles are in the advantageous position of returning all starters and then some.

Spring ball puts a spotlight on returning numbers like these and provides great anticipation for what's to come next fall, though the Eagles head coach prefers at times to air on the side of caution when it comes to his bangers on the offensive line.

"You got to stay healthy, that's half the battle," Addazio concluded. "Those guys are in it every play. When you're playing offensive lineman, every play is live….and it does start up front. I'm excited about that."

Experienced Offensive Line Ready To Lead Again

Related News

Players Mentioned

Jon Baker

Anthony Brown

AJ Dillon

Elijah Johnson

Chris Lindstrom

Aaron Monteiro

Ben Petrula

John Phillips

Sam Schmal

Related Videos