Developing Depth is Key to Success Along the Offensive Line for IU
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Image: Indiana University Athletics
Written by Andrew Walker
Undoubtedly, one of the most important things, if not the most important thing to the success of a football team is depth. The ability to adapt to different situations on the fly, not only by having different players when combating injury, but by just flat out having the talent to play different guys to their strengths is so important.
This nuance of football has never been above head coach Tom Allen. With COVID-19 being an always present concern, even on top of existing injuries, Allen understands that depth will be a persistent issue this season. “I think the offensive line has always been something we have mentioned as a concern. I do like the way it has been progressing, although we have not had pads on throughout this entire time, but with the spiders we are able to get a little more use of the hands with drill work without worrying about injury.”
As Allen mentioned, a big part of the depth issue will be the offensive line. While the offensive line has improved drastically in the last few years, this season will prove to be much more challenging than years past. “We have been able to see a little more of their development, but we will know more by the end of this week once we have a couple of shell practices (helmets and shoulder pads) in and full pads on Saturday.”
A big part of that depth that’s required on any given game day, especially for the offensive line, has to do with leadership. Even in the past, leadership on the offensive line has come from more veteran players and young guys alike. This year, no matter how strange of a season it is, is no different. Allen went on to praise Luke Haggard and Chris Bradberry for their ability to step into more of a leadership role. Both Haggard, a transfer student formerly from Santa Rosa Junior College in Petaluma, CA, and Bradberry, another transfer from Riverside Community College in Ranch Cucamonga, CA, are tackles on the OL for Indiana.
Even though the offensive line is always going to be a concern this season, Allen thinks he feels better about his situation than he did a month ago. So many things were uncertain before the Big Ten agreed to resume football season.
The offensive line was one of the position groups Allen felt the worst about a few months ago. So much uncertainty, injuries, and COVID-19 concerns were worrisome. However, both Allen and the team are looking to the future to focus on staying healthy and more importantly, winning.