In the game of football every position is referenced by name except the positions on the offensive line. This is due to the fact that the offensive linemen must operate as one unit instead of as individuals. In turn, this blurs the lines between Center, Guard, and Tackle. These are three different positions that each require different skill sets.
The biggest differences between the offensive line positions are the amount of ‘space’ that each position plays in. Operating ‘in space’ is a completely different setting than the ‘in tight’ (Fig 1). Tackles are usually the Tallest and fastest offensive linemen while Guards find strength and quickness most important. These differences may be subtle but, it does have a significant impact on the type of individual playing the different positions.
Tackle:
Offensive Tackle is the most well-known of the three positions on the offensive line. The added importance that Lawrence Taylor (and Joe Theismann) brought to the Quarterback’s ‘blind side’ made Left Tackle one of the highest paid positions on the field in the NFL. Tackles are generally the largest and most athletic offensive lineman because of the amount of ‘space’ they operate in. Additionally, being responsible for blocking defensive superstars like Jadeveon Clowney forces Tackles to be even more athletic.
In the late 80’s and 90’s offenses began to shape linemen more specifically to the Left and Right. The Right Tackle was bigger and stronger so that the running game could be emphasized to the right. Conversely, the left side became more associated with pass blockers because of the ‘blind side’. However, this trend has broken due to a very obvious defensive solution – overloading the pass rush at the Right Tackle.
Guard:
The Guard position is made up of shorter, stronger players. Historically, Guards are the players that do most of the ‘pulling’. Pulling is a type of block in which the player will drop behind the line of scrimmage to run around the edge and lead for the running back. (Fig 2)
Guards have a difficult but vital role in pass protection, spending half of their time protecting ‘Manned-up’ and the other ‘In the slide’. While ‘Manned-up’ the guard is responsible for the player directly in front of him. While ‘In the slide’ guards help the Center with one hand while keeping eyes on the defender rushing the Tackle. (Fig 3)
Center:
Center is the most difficult position of the three types of offensive linemen. Centers are not only tasked with executing their blocking assignments like everyone else, they’re also responsible for calling protections and blocking schemes. This added mental stress can complicate the most mundane of assignments. The Center spends more time in the film room and more time studying his playbook than any other offensive linemen.
Aside from the mental difficulties associated with the position, Centers are responsible for getting the ball to the QB every play. The ‘C-Q exchange’ is a part of the game that often goes overlooked yet it’s vital for the success of, literally. every play. In theory it’s simple; however; the movement of the center’s hand (the C-Q exchange) initiates the defense’s movement. This results in the Center beginning his block (on every play) with one hand between his legs.
Centers also operate in limited space, forcing them to execute a majority of back blocks and Zone Combinations. In the Pass Game it is unwise to leave your Center without help. By starting with one hand between his legs he is at a disadvantage and defenders know it.
At the University at Texas it will be essential for Joe Wickline to have players that can play more than one position. Having a core group of six to seven lineman that can play multiple positions will make things exponentially easier. Having ten players (a back-up for every position) generally causes poor communication. When five linemen get comfortable enough with each other their calls and audibles become much smoother and much more precise.
An offensive line that has been playing together for a long time can even become autonomous. The familiarity with the way your teammate thinks allows a player to remain silent because the entire line knows what needs to be done.
By adding new faces to the game you create a delay in communication. Currently Jake Raulerson is going through the tribulations of playing two very different positions, Center and Tackle. The difficulties associated with playing more than one position are not uncommon to offensive lineman but they often go overlooked. This upcoming season the linemen that can play more than one position could prove to be key to the success of the Longhorns.
