Making just the second start of his career, offensive lineman David White Jr. admits he was a bit nervous.
After injuries and suspensions hit the offensive line early in the 2006 season, White was thrown into the offensive line mix. Just a redshirt freshman, he was staring down a Western Michigan defense that was ranked third in the country in sacks.
I was lucky to get into the mix early in my career
White said. I was definitely a little nervous especially hearing everything I heard about them.
Turns out, he had nothing to worry about. Western Michigan left town with a 27-20 loss and no sacks.
Now, two years later, Ohio finds itself in a similar situation.
Injuries to Chris Rodgers, Michael Philibin and Gary Schussler have forced offensive line coach Keven Lightner to play a lot of young players.
In only five games, 12 different offensive linemen have gotten reps for the Bobcats. Redshirt freshman A.J. Strum and sophomore Cole Brunner have taken snaps at right guard and right tackle this week in practice.
Philibin and Rodgers are both likely to play, but only in a limited capacity.
The injuries couldn't have come at a worse time, as the Bobcats start a crucial three-game road trip, starting tomorrow with Western Michigan. Even worse, the Broncos are ranked No. 1 in the conference in sacks.
It seems like every year we lose some guys Lightner said. You're halfway through the season
so nobody is going to feel good. Nobody is 100 percent healthy. It's just part of playing up front. Right now
we're okay. We can't afford to lose anybody else.
White is one guy the team can't afford to lose, according to Lightner.
At the beginning of the season, White was entrenched at center, but because of the injuries, he's had to play-
Lightner said. He's really valuable now. He's one of the guys that we can't afford to lose.
White has also been a valuable mentor for the team's young offensive linemen.
Whether it is in the film room or in the game, the redshirt junior said he tries to relay his early career experiences to his teammates.
It was rough in the beginning
White said. I tell them you got to be patient. These guys have to prepare and practice. When your time comes
you have to be prepared so you can take advantage of it.
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