University Daily Kansan, August 22, 1984
SPORTS
Page 5
KU offensive line confident
By GREG DAMMAN Sports Editor
Sports Editor
At first glance, the Kansas offensive line seems to be just another part of Coach Mike Gottfried's team that will go through a rebuilding year in 1984.
The Jayhawks lost four of five starters to graduation — pro drafttees Renwick Atkins, Reggie Smith, K.C Brown and Paul Fairchild — on the N.L. Wildcats. The Syracuse Byrd has indicated he will redshirt the 1984 season.
However, Kansas is blessed with several returning lettermen on the offensive line, along with returning starter and three-year letterman Bennie Simecka, who plays center
Simecke is one player who is optimistic about KU's offensive line.
"They say we lost a lot of seniors, and we did," Simecka said. "But with guys like Doug Certain and Paul Oswald and the other people I'm surrounded by, there's not going to be a dropoff. I'm really confident going into the season."
KURT MUELLER, NO. 2 on the depth chart at left tackle, also said that Kansas had able replacements for last year's offensive linemen.
"We lost some really great guys — Paul Fairchild, Reggie, Rennie—and we learned a great deal from them," Mueller said. "But we also have quite a few good athletes who have been backing them up the past two or three years. They're hungry, and I think that's what makes for a good offensive line."
One thing is certain, the Jayhawks won't be lacking size on the offensive line.
The first team offensive line on the pre-fall depth chart consists of freshman Jim Davis, 6, 24, 54 pounds, at left tackle; sophomore Oswald, 6, 24, 50, at left guard; senior Simecka, 6, 25, at center; junior Certain, 6, 24, at right guard, and sophomore Bob Pieper, 6, 25, at right tackle.
THAT'S AN AVERAGE size of about 6.5, 258 pounds. Nebraska, considered the class act of offensive lines in the Big Eight, averages 6-4, 268 pounds for its starting offensive line on the 1984 NU depth chart.
One inch and 10 pounds might not seem like much of a difference, but the Cornhusker offensive line will consist of five seniors, all beefed up with proper equipment, to weight program. The Kansas offensive line has only one senior starter.
Simecka is another Jayhawk who thinks that KU's offensive line strength is as good as any in the Big Eight.
"We're a little inexperienced, but we're bigger and stronger than we were last year," said Chip Schuler, Oswald's backup at left guard.
He said that he and Certain had joined a gym in Lawrence over the summer and lifted six days a week.
summertime.
"I was up to around 285 or 290, and I've dropped to 270," he said, "so I feel that I'm in better shape now than I've ever been coming into the season."
THE JAYHAWK OFFENSIVE
linemen will be using their strength most of the time to protect quarterback Morkseh, who is the leading candidate to replace KU record-setting quarterback Frank Seurer, now with the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League.
"I'm more of a pass blocker myself," Simecek said. "I enjoy pass blocking. It's more of a wide open game, and it gives you more of an opportunity to score. It's also more exciting to play and watch."
Schuler also preferred pass blocking to run blocking, but said that pass blocking would not be the only thing the Jayhawks would do well in 1984.
"I like pass blocking." Schuler said. "But I think this year we'll have a little better running game. We have some great backs like Robert Mimbs and Lynn Williams, who I think is going to be a great player."
THE KU OFFENSIVE line is coached by Mike Solari, who is in his second season as offensive line coach after coaching for Gottried at Cincinnati for two years. Solari also will be offensive coordinator this year.
"Coach Solari is just an excellent teacher," Mueller said. "I've never had a coach like him. He's just a very good teacher and motivator. He's probably the best line coach in the country."
"Coach was telling us just last night at a meeting that he believed we can be better than last year's line. He really believes that, and I think that all the players do too."
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