Tough in the trenches
By Tyler Huskinson
assistant sports editor
Football games are won and lost in the trenches, where the offensive and defensive lines battle every snap. It’s where the game begins and games are changed.
This season, USU returns several proven starters to the offensive line, while losing several key players on the defensive line.
Seniors, center Tyler Larsen and right tackle Oscar Molina-Sanchez, and junior right guard Eric Schultz will be called upon to pass protect much more next season.
“Now that we’re a spread offense, it’s huge, because we’re probably going to be running 50 percent of the time and passing 50 percent of the time,” Larsen said of pass protection. “That’s been our main focus this entire spring ball. Last year it was running, and obviously last year we had a great running season. Hopefully we can bring it all back together and we’ll be able to pass well.”
Molina-Sanchez moved from left tackle to right tackle, and Schultz moved to right guard.
“The right side is where we have most of our experience and it shows a lot,” Larsen said. “We can go to that side if we need it.”
The left side of the offensive line is still fairly inexperienced. Junior left guard Jamie Markosian has seen playing time the past couple seasons but not as much as Larsen, Molina-Sanchez and Schultz. Despite the inexperience, USU offensive line coach TJ Woods is optimistic.
“Jamie Markosian is doing a good job for us,” Woods said. “He’s been a backup for us the last couple of years and has seen time. We’re excited about him and his progress.”
The left tackle position is the one still up for grabs and could belong to anybody when the season begins. Freshman Logan Malohifo’ou is atop the depth chart right now, and redshirt sophomore Kevin Whimpey is right behind him.
“Right now our left tackle position is kind of up in the air,” Woods said. “We’re looking for somebody that wants to come in and win it.
“Kevin Whimpey and Logan Malohifo’ou have got some things they need to improve on. I’m really looking for one of those guys to step up and be the guy.”
Last season USU’s front five allowed 18 sacks, for a total loss of 92 yards and 23 quarterback hurries, pass protection has improved for the Aggies since spring practices began.
“You can see the quarterback is a lot more comfortable sitting in the pocket,” Larsen said. “Even Chuckie – he tends to be a scrambler, but he’s really comfortable with us. I haven’t seen that many scrambles each practice or scrimmage. We’re a lot more stout. We’re not getting pushed back into the quarterback.”
The greater ability to protect the quarterback can be partly attributed to increased strength and size.
“I think that the guys are stronger,” Woods said. “I think they are bigger, which is a huge positive. I like our physicality right now. I think we are coming off the ball and doing some good things. I’d like to see it be more consistent, but it’s a good thing right now.”
USU lost a total of 12 players to graduation last season, and five of those players were on the defensive side. Two of those defensive positions were defensive ends Levi Koskan and Quinn Garner.
“We have a lot of new players that don’t have much experience,” USU senior defensive end Al Lapuaho said. “There are only three that have legit experience, and the rest are young. It’s rough. It’s baptism by fire for those guys. They’ll get it eventually.”
Lapuaho is one of two seniors on the defensive line, and nose guard Havea Lasike is the other. Aside from junior defensive end Connor Williams, the remainder of the depth chart is filled with freshman.
“We have great talent with us, but we have to fight for consistency every day,” USU defensive line coach Frank Maile said. “To say that anyone is sticking out, Connor Williams is the most consistent on my D line. We’re taking steps forward. I’m excited for the talent in my group and they’ll move forward.”
Regardless of youth – freshman Travis Seefeldt is listed No. 1 at the nose guard position – Maile said someone will have to step up.
“One thing I try to emphasize to these young kids – if you do the math, someone is going to have to play,” he said. “The way they prepare themselves right now is as if they are going to be the starter. They’ve got to train that way, they’ve got to eat that way, they’ve got to sleep that way. Their way of life needs to be as if they are playing now. There’s not really any time for them to grow up and mature. They’ve got to do it now.”
USU’s defense finished the season with 15 total takeaways – 11 fumble recoveries and four interceptions – and the Aggies hope that number increases this season.
“Last year we didn’t practice takeaway drills,” Lapuaho said. “Coach (Gary) Andersen expected for it to happen, but we’re practicing it, and we’ve got a lot more takeaways than last spring from what I remember.
“Takeaways are expected. When I played at Snow, we had at least three every game. I feel like we can do that and even more at Utah State.”
For the young defense, it’s only a matter of time before players gain confidence through experience, Lapuaho said.
“With our youthfulness, our players need to get a little taste of a real game,” Lapuaho said. “Once they get that taste of their first D-I game, they’ll know they can do things with confidence.”
– ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu.edu