"After we watched film, we just felt like on both sides of the ball, we need to be more physical."
That's what Tracy Claeys said at his initial spring practice press conference on Feb. 29. Claeys said that would be an emphasis for the offensive and defensive lineman this spring, but that approach seems to be parallel with recruiting the incoming class of 2017.
So far, the staff has offered nine offensive lineman and eight defensive lineman, more than any other position they are presently recruiting. Is it a coincidence? Probably not.
It seems Claeys and his staff targeted the trenches early to have established relationships with these prospects by the time the high school season starts (when some can enter their senior years already committed).
Are quality offensive lineman hard to come by at the high school level? You betcha. Comparative to skill players, that is. But if I'm reaching here, I think Claeys is looking to bring in a new breed of lineman, more physical, more aggressive and after admitting the amount of injuries on the defensive line last year, more durable.
That's what Tracy Claeys said at his initial spring practice press conference on Feb. 29. Claeys said that would be an emphasis for the offensive and defensive lineman this spring, but that approach seems to be parallel with recruiting the incoming class of 2017.
So far, the staff has offered nine offensive lineman and eight defensive lineman, more than any other position they are presently recruiting. Is it a coincidence? Probably not.
It seems Claeys and his staff targeted the trenches early to have established relationships with these prospects by the time the high school season starts (when some can enter their senior years already committed).
Are quality offensive lineman hard to come by at the high school level? You betcha. Comparative to skill players, that is. But if I'm reaching here, I think Claeys is looking to bring in a new breed of lineman, more physical, more aggressive and after admitting the amount of injuries on the defensive line last year, more durable.
