KU linemen put ‘stinging words’ in past
From the first time he began toiling in the trenches, Kansas University center Joe Vaughn knew most of the comments he would receive would be critical.
“That’s just the life of an offensive lineman,” Vaughn said. “It’s not the most high-profile position, but we all understand that.”
Sure, there’s the running back who remembers to thank his blockers after a big night. But far too often fans dismiss such praise as cliche.
When a college lineman does succeed — such as when Troy junior Louissaint scored on a 63-yard fumble recovery in the Trojans’ 24-14 shocker of Missouri earlier this season, or even Vaughn earning the Big 12 Conference’s offensive newcomer of the year award last season — those accolades are more anomalies than the norm.
And there’s always the flip side.
After last week’s loss to Texas Tech, KU’s second straight fourth quarter letdown, KU coach Mark Mangino ripped his offensive front five, saying they did little to assist Jayhawk runners.
“I commend (running backs) John Randle and Clark Green for their efforts today because any yards they got were pretty much on their own effort,” Mangino said Saturday after gaining just 86 yards on 35 carries against Tech, and just 47 yards on 26 carries in its 20-17 loss to Northwestern.
Junior left tackle Matt Thompson said the harsh comments hurt a bit but in the long run would be helpful because the blockers did not get the job done against the Red Raiders.
“Those were stinging words for us,” admitted the 6-foot-4, 295-pound transfer from Air Force. “But there are a lot of things to be said after a game, and not all of them are positive.
“We have gotten a lot of attention, but it is not the kind of attention we want. We took it in stride and we are past it now.”
KU quarterback Adam Barmann agreed, saying he didn’t think the line’s struggles were as serious as people might think.
“I think they’ve done a pretty good job overall, and I’ve gone out of my way this week to let them know that,” said Barmann, who pointed out that KU’s line has been pretty good in pass blocking as they’ve allowed only five sacks in four games.
Of course part of the reason behind KU’s problems up front is that two former Jayhawks — Adrian Jones, who was drafted by the New York Jets in fourth round, and Danny Lewis, who graduated — left a line that anchored a record-setting offense last season.
A third starter from a year ago, Tony Coker, who was the only one of the five — Vaughn and left guard Bob Whitaker also started — to miss a game, has been hobbled again this year because of an injured ankle.
Mangino said this week he was going to try and create a rotation with younger guys like 6-4 sophomore guard Matt Mann to keep fresh bodies in the game.
“What our coaches are trying to do is create some depth on the offensive line so that perhaps we can get a rotation going on the line from time to time,” Mangino said.
But even if that helps, Vaughn says his trenchmen will have to learn to not cringe when they hear criticism.
“You just have to be able to take criticism. It is not a bad thing,” he said. “It is a motivator, and we look forward to getting back at it this week.”
