Size Matters

Yesterday's note on a still-to-be-identified recruit was a reminder of the terrific size of the new group of offensive linemen headed this way in the fall.

Bearing in mind that one or two of the incoming freshmen might end up on the other side of the line, and that reported heights and weights are sometimes stretched a bit, Dartmouth could be adding O-linemen who are:

• 6-foot-8, 295 pounds
• 6-foot-6, 290 pounds
• 6-foot-5, 255 pounds
• 6-foot-4, 300 pounds
• 6-foot-4, 245 pounds
• 6-foot-3, 265 pounds

Foster's Daily Democrat reports that Game 2 opponent New Hampshire will be without its only experienced backup quarterback next fall with the transfer of Kevin Decker to Division III Trinity. Decker got his most playing time when he completed 5-of-7 throws for 52 yards in last year's 42-6 win at Dartmouth.

The Foster's story spun out of the first day of spring ball notes that backup quarterback won't be the only area of concern for UNH, which is losing 103 receptions between the graduated Mike Boyle and suspended Terrance Fox. Four starters also have to be replaced on the O-line.

Offensive line doesn't figure to be a worry for Game 5 opponent Holy Cross, according to a spring football report in the Worcester Telegram. From the story:

(Center Chris) Smith, who has made 33 straight starts, two-year starters and all-league selections (right guard Chris) Poole and Aaron Jones (left tackle), and left guard Rob Petrosino, who made nine starts last season, give the Crusaders a bundle of experience on the offensive line. Mike McCabe, who injured his knee in the second game of ’08, is the projected starting right tackle.

“This has the potential to be one of the best offensive lines Holy Cross has had in a long time,” coach Tom Gilmore said.

The beneficiary of the talent and experience up front will be fifth-year quarterback Dominic Randolph, who wasn't exactly shabby last fall. More from the Telegram:

During last year’s 7-4 season, the offensive line paved the way for Holy Cross to average 455.4 yards and 34.4 points. Randolph led the nation in completions, passing yards and total offense, and was sacked just 16 times in 523 pass attempts.

The Commercial Dispatch, which covers "Columbus, Mississippi & The Golden Triangle," has a story about new Mississippi State assistant coach Scott Sallach, a Dartmouth staff member from 1998-2002. The story begins this way: "Whether it’s coaching in the Ivy League or in the Southeastern Conference, football is played the same way."

Says Sallach:

“It’s still blocking, tackling, offense, defense, and special teams. They just play a little bit bigger and faster (in the SEC). There are some changes, but in a basic sense.”