Offensive Line Continues to Look for Answers
August 20, 2015 | Football
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Heading into the 2015 season, many questions surrounding the University football team centered around the quarterback position.
However, some of the bigger questions might be on the offensive line where three starters have to be replaced.
The Cardinals have worked hard this fall camp identifying a starting five and establishing depth with so many new faces in the mix.
Offensive line coach Chris Klenakis has been pleased where this group stands after 19 practices, but understands this is a process with so many new pieces in play.
"We are making progress every day," Klenakis said. "We have seen improvement with picking up the techniques and schemes. We threw a lot at them at first, and now we're starting to break it down for them."
Having to revamp an offensive line takes a lot of work, and the Cardinals are looking at a lot of different players to fill those roles. The uncertainty of a starting lineup has made for intense competition each day in practice, which the offensive line has embraced.
"Everybody is competing," offensive tackle Aaron Epps said after practice on Thursday. "No one wants to sit back and watch. Everyone wants to get in there and compete."
Klenakis has the tough job of evaluating talent each day, which is something he has embraced, and made his unit much better because of the daily competition.
"Each day we go out and compete," Klenakis said. "If someone isn't doing what they are coached to do, we put someone else in there. That's the great thing about competition."
Epps started six games last year and was voted one of the team's five captains by his teammates. He has embraced this role and is ready to lead this team into the season opener just 16 days away.
"He has taken this role as a captain very seriously," Klenakis said. "It's quite an honor to be voted as a captain by your peers. He has come to work every day and he takes his craft very seriously each time he steps on the field."
Junior Pedro Sibiea has made the switch to center during fall camp, and has embraced the change. He has been in there with the first group, but he knows he has to continue to work.
"There is great competition each day," Sibiea said. "I know how intense this camp has been and how much competition there is for stating positions. I just come to work each day and try to get better."
Head coach Bobby Petrino thrives on running the football, and to do that, a solid offensive line is a key. The challenge over the next two weeks to get this group ready to face Auburn's tough defensive line, which might be a bigger obstacle.
OL Coach Chris Klenaikis and Linemen Aaron Epps and Pedro Sibiea Addressed the Media
LIVE on #Periscope: Chris Klenaikis https://t.co/oiT8lFz5Wk
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
LIVE on #Periscope: Pedro Sibiea https://t.co/ychahvT8d3
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
LIVE on #Periscope: Aaron Epps https://t.co/uyYxtyVllX
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
Thursday Practice
Practice No . 19 set to begin #ULCardsCamp pic.twitter.com/P5M5uoNH25
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
Running backs work on their footwork during Thursday morning's practice #ULCardsCamp pic.twitter.com/T0eFUQSKGe
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
Kolby Smith tries to strip ball from his backs pic.twitter.com/1rTrnVfErw
- LouisvilleFootball (@UofLFootball) August 20, 2015
