In molding an offensive line, success is in the details 

By Jerry Meadows

FAYETTEVILLE — The cause for the decibels from the crowd to rise to the highest level is rarely in response to the effort of an offensive line.

The offensive positions that generally cause the most excitement are the quarterback, running back, or receiver. However, everything happens at the snap of the ball. Whether it’s the running game or the passing attack, it all begins on the line of scrimmage. 

Last year, the woes from the offensive line have been well-documented. So, we will not address what went wrong last year. What is paramount now is molding an offensive line that is fundamentally sound in protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for the running backs to exploit. Such goals seem to be a simple task to accomplish, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a lot to learn in becoming a productive offensive lineman.

Techniques that can magnify the God-given skills of these young men must become second nature. Such requires hundreds of reps. Footwork, balance, and leverage are necessary if an offensive lineman is to establish an advantage on the line of scrimmage. Coach (Eric) Mateos emphasizes the little things that make success achievable. From establishing the correct splits between the offensive line to the double-teaming of a defensive lineman, nothing is left to chance. From angles that create leverage to footwork that maintains position, technique becomes the necessary ingredient in the recipe that produces victories. One thing is for sure they are big, strong, and are beginning to work as a unit. 

Presently, the players Arkansas will turn to next year are; 

6’5″ 324 lbs, Fernando Carmona #55,  

6’5″ 312 lbs, Patrick Kutas #75, 

6’5″ 306 lbs, Addison Nichols #63, 

6’6″ 349 lbs, Joshua Braun #72, 

6’5″ 325 lbs, Keyshawn Blackstock #54. 

Right behind them on the second team are 

6’7″ 294 lbs, E’Marian Harris #76, 

6’6″ 313 lbs, Josh Street, #67 

6’3″ 308 lbs, Amaury Wiggins, #56 

6’5″ 325 lbs, Kolby Branham #50,

6’5″ 319 lbs, Ty’Kieast Crawford #53. 

The unknown variable is obvious: injuries. If the offensive line can stay healthy this year, Arkansas may surprise a lot of folks this season.

As promised, Coach (Sam) Pittman continues to assist Mateos in molding the new offensive line for 2024. Both Coach Mateos and Coach Pittman have eyes for detail. Doing the little things extraordinarily well may help the offensive line raise the decibels in Razorback Stadium in 2024.

Arkansas will play the Red-White Game on Saturday with kickoff set for noon. Admission is free. If you are unable to attend it can be streamed on the SEC Network+.