After scanning some sports clips, David Ochoa’s girlfriend, Allison Smith, informed him the media had named him to the preseason watch list for the Outland and Rimington trophies, which are awarded to the best interior lineman and center, respectively.

“She read something and told me,” Ochoa said. “I don’t really pay attention to that stuff. As an offensive lineman, you’re conditioned not to. It’s not a glory position at all.”

Accolades may not carry much meaning for the Kansas University senior, but he garnered another one before the 2006 season even began. His teammates selected the center as one of four team captains – along with Derek Fine, James McClinton and Mike Rivera – for the second straight year.

“He’s a great leader,” linebacker Joe Mortensen said.

With red-shirt freshman quarterback Kerry Meier taking the snaps behind him, some have suggested that the center would take on an even greater leadership role this year. Ochoa, however, disputed that notion, praising Meier’s confidence, maturity and ability not to dwell on mistakes.

Instead, last year’s All-Big-12 honorable mention selection said Meier’s athleticism would allow him to elude defenders, run for first downs and make it more difficult for defenses to limit the Kansas offense to short gains.

“I see him do things that I’ve never seen other quarterbacks do,” Ochoa said. “That definitely helps out an offensive line.”

The offensive line, which allowed 23 sacks in 2005, should be both deep and talented in 2006. The Jayhawks return nine of 10 offensive linemen from last year’s depth chart, and Ochoa, Bob Whitaker, Cesar Rodriguez, Ryan Cantrell, Jake Cox and Travis Dambach combined for 47 starts last year.

“On paper we are one of the strongest and most experienced lines in a long time,” Ochoa said. “But we have to really prove it, and that only comes on Saturdays.”

While the offensive line should serve as one of the team’s strengths this year, Ochoa, who completed his undergraduate degree in journalism in May, described his mental ability as his forte.

“I kind of pride myself on being able to pick up things : and know all things that are going on around me,” he said. “I’ve never been the strongest, the fastest or the biggest.”

The senior takes a modest approach when describing his physical skills, but the 6-4, 285-pounder can push a defender out of the way to open a running lane or pancake him on a passing play. Before the coaching staff moved him to his more natural position of center, he recorded 64 knockdown blocks as a guard in 2004.

“He’s got a massive grip,” defensive lineman Todd Haselhorst said. “When he gets a hold of you, it’s hard to break his hands down and get away from him.”

Those skills help make Ochoa one of the country’s best centers. Just don’t expect him to bask in that glory.