Offensive Line Previewed in Coach's Corner
8/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Countdown to Kickoff Central
Coach's Corner Interview with Scott Wachenheim
For the second-straight season, LibertyFlames.com's Countdown to Kickoff coverage will feature the Coach's Corner, an in-depth position-by-position breakdown for each of the Flames' player units.
The coaching vignettes will include an article on the position, that position's preseason depth chart and an audio interview with the spotlighted unit's position coach. The 10-part series continues today with a look into Liberty's offensive line.
Offensive Line
The tireless work by an offensive line is quite often overlooked, but not in the case of Liberty's massive group last year. Undoubtedly one of the largest offensive lines at the FCS level, averaging 6-5, 297 pounds, all five starters were named to the Big South all-conference teams.
Stephen Sene (LT), Marshal Ausberry (LG) and Eddie Pinigis (RT) garnered first-team accolades, while Britt Stone (RG) and Mike Godsil (C) were named to the second team. The five helped the Flames finish the year ranked No. 3 in scoring offense (42.64), No. 9 with 32 rushing touchdowns, No. 15 in total offense (429.64) and No. 18 nationally in team rushing yards per game (215.91).
Liberty also finished the 2008 campaign ranked No. 4 in sacks allowed (0.73), No. 7 in tackles for loss allowed (4.18), No. 8 in passing efficiency (158.12), No. 9 in fourth-down conversion rate (66.7) and No. 29 in third-down conversion rate (42.5).
"Anyone who knows me and knows how I think about football, knows I think the most important positions in football are your offensive and defensive lines," stated head coach Danny Rocco. "Our offensive line last year was probably as good as any at the FCS level. Stephen Sene signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams and Marshal Ausberry and Eddie Pinigis both had tryouts with the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills."
"I went into spring practice feeling that the offensive line was my biggest concern on this football team," continued Rocco. "But I came out of the spring feeling the problem had been resolved, and in fact, our offensive line was going to be one of the most solid aspects of this team."
Helping assure Rocco of this group's ability is Godsil, back for his third-straight season as the Flames' starting center. "Mike is a tough, smart player, who is the strongest bench presser on our team," said Rocco of the program's record holder in the bench press. "He really loves the game and he is the heart and soul of the offensive line."
Moving to left guard, Stone returns after recording the third-most knockdowns among offensive linemen last year (110). "Britt Stone is the next guy who has shown a lot of leadership," stated Rocco. "I am really excited about his progress."
Alongside Stone at left tackle will be Zach Davis, a player who has patiently been waiting in the wings since transferring to Liberty two years ago. "He has been one of those guys who have made steady improvements each year," stated Rocco. "In theory, he is the only player on the squad who can play center, guard or tackle and he is willing to do whatever is asked of him."
The right side of the offensive line will be manned by a pair of redshirt juniors in Bryan Mosier and Josh Weaver. Weaver started the first two games of last year in place of an injured Pinigis.
"Josh has got a good bit of experience, and I think he is just coming into his own physically. We are certainly excited about where he is at," commented Rocco. "Bryan Mosier is starting at the other guard position as a big, tough and physical football player.
"With Godsil at center, Mosier and Stone at the guards and Weaver and Davis at the tackle positions, I think we have a very solid and mature group in there, and I am excited to see those guys work together."
Backing up the previously mentioned five is a plethora of talented up-and-coming offensive linemen. "The thing that is really exciting for me, and this in not to downplay the first five, but I think our second five have got an awful a lot of talent. They may be more talented at some spots, but are just a bit younger," said Rocco.
Tim Hartman, Antonio Tassara and Justin Vargas will be vying for playing time at the tackle positions, while Spencer Hodges, Aaron Lundy, Alex Stalder and Toney White will be challenging for time inside at guard.
"Justin has three years of eligibility remaining as a big, athletic offensive tackle and Antonio Tassara is giant at his position," said Rocco. "Both Justin and Antonio have a chance to be players who can be dominant in this league."
Backing up offensive team captain Godsil at center is a large group of players, led by Mario Cosby, and followed by Matt Camire and Matthias Wrede.
"Mario is a center/guard type player," remarked Rocco. "He has been in our program for a while and has really given us some playable depth at center and guard."
Offensive Line at a Glance
Front Runners
LT - Zach Davis (R-Sr., 6-4, 290)
LG - Britt Stone (R-Sr., 6-2, 275)
C - Mike Godsil (Sr., 6-2, 290)
RG - Bryan Mosier (R-Jr., 6-2, 300)
RT - Josh Weaver (R-Jr., 6-4, 285)
Contenders
Matt Camire (R-So., 6-3, 270)
Mario Cosby (R-Jr., 6-1, 270)
Spencer Hodges (R-Fr., 6-5, 300)
Alex Stadler (R-So., 6-5, 310)
Antonio Tassara (R-So., 6-8, 320)
Justin Vargas (R-So., 6-5, 285)
Toney White (R-Fr., 6-4, 285)
Matthias Wrede (Jr., 6-5, 265)
Up-and-Comers
Tim Hartman (R-Jr., 6-4, 315)
Aaron Lundy (Fr., 6-5, 305)
D.J. Selman (Fr., 6-6, 320)
To catch previous installments of the Coach's Corner or to take a look at future position segments, below is a complete Coach's Corner training camp schedule:
Links to Previous Installments
Coach's Corner Preview (Aug. 1)
Coach's Corner No. 1 – Defensive Backs (Aug. 2)
Schedule of Future Features
Coach's Corner No. 3 – Tight Ends (Aug. 6)
Coach's Corner No. 4 – Linebackers (Aug. 10)
Coach's Corner No. 5 – Wide Receivers (Aug. 13)
Coach's Corner No. 6 – Defensive Line (Aug. 18)
Coach's Corner No. 7 – Special Teams (Aug. 20)
Coach's Corner No. 8 – Defensive Coordinator (Aug. 23)
Coach's Corner No. 9 – Running Backs (Aug. 24)
Coach's Corner No. 10 – Quarterbacks (Aug. 26)
Countdown to Kickoff Coverage will continue tomorrow with the third installment of the Coach's Corner. LibertyFlames.com will sit down with associate head coach Pete Sundheim, who gives us an in depth look at the tight end position.
