william_brasky
11/7/2006, 09:17 AM
Led by Robinson, Sooner offensive line has done a lot of growing up
OU football
By Scott Wright
Staff Writer
NORMAN — The game program lists his name as George Robinson, but you can call him Duke.
His mother does.
And you can call him one of the biggest reasons for the recent surge of the Sooners' offensive line, a group that seems to play better every week.
It's hard to argue that they weren't at their best in Saturday's 17-16 win over Texas A&M.
Especially Robinson. His efforts were lauded by television commentators during the game broadcast and earned him a virtual helmet sticker on ESPN's postgame coverage.
"I heard about that," Robinson said of the special recognition, "but I didn't really know what it was."
If nothing else, it's a sign that everyone — even on a national level — is noticing that a young OU offensive line, made up of a senior, three sophomores and a true freshman, has become possibly the strongest individual unit on the team.
"I don't know if they're one of the strongest parts," offensive line coach James Patton said. "They've grown up. They've matured a little bit. The repetitions have made them grow up. It's gotten them to be more confident, more assertive."
The Sooners found their most success Saturday, running behind the left side of the offensive line, Robinson and Chris Messner. OU ran the ball 19 times on its two drives in the first quarter, both of which produced touchdowns.
Of those 19 rushes, it could be counted on one hand the number of times OU ran to the right.
It wasn't because the right side of the line was getting beat.
True freshman tackle Trent Williams was noted by coaches for his strong play in just his second career start. And right guard Brandon Walker was often pulling left to help open holes on that side.
"We thought we had something there," Patton said. "It was working. We kept it going."
All the way to the end, when quarterback Paul Thompson ducked in behind Robinson and Messner for a 2-yard gain on fourth-and-inches to seal the Sooners' victory.
"They knew what was on the line," Patton said. "They knew we needed three inches or whatever it was. It starts up front, and that's what we challenge our guys with every day."
Come February, when the players are looking back on this season, that fourth down might be the defining moment for the offensive line.
But it's hardly a representation of what they've come through.
Robinson is quick to credit his cohort on the left side for the offensive line's ability to come together.
"He's like a...," Robinson said, pausing to search for the proper word to compliment Messner's leadership, "like our dad.
OU football
By Scott Wright
Staff Writer
NORMAN — The game program lists his name as George Robinson, but you can call him Duke.
His mother does.
And you can call him one of the biggest reasons for the recent surge of the Sooners' offensive line, a group that seems to play better every week.
It's hard to argue that they weren't at their best in Saturday's 17-16 win over Texas A&M.
Especially Robinson. His efforts were lauded by television commentators during the game broadcast and earned him a virtual helmet sticker on ESPN's postgame coverage.
"I heard about that," Robinson said of the special recognition, "but I didn't really know what it was."
If nothing else, it's a sign that everyone — even on a national level — is noticing that a young OU offensive line, made up of a senior, three sophomores and a true freshman, has become possibly the strongest individual unit on the team.
"I don't know if they're one of the strongest parts," offensive line coach James Patton said. "They've grown up. They've matured a little bit. The repetitions have made them grow up. It's gotten them to be more confident, more assertive."
The Sooners found their most success Saturday, running behind the left side of the offensive line, Robinson and Chris Messner. OU ran the ball 19 times on its two drives in the first quarter, both of which produced touchdowns.
Of those 19 rushes, it could be counted on one hand the number of times OU ran to the right.
It wasn't because the right side of the line was getting beat.
True freshman tackle Trent Williams was noted by coaches for his strong play in just his second career start. And right guard Brandon Walker was often pulling left to help open holes on that side.
"We thought we had something there," Patton said. "It was working. We kept it going."
All the way to the end, when quarterback Paul Thompson ducked in behind Robinson and Messner for a 2-yard gain on fourth-and-inches to seal the Sooners' victory.
"They knew what was on the line," Patton said. "They knew we needed three inches or whatever it was. It starts up front, and that's what we challenge our guys with every day."
Come February, when the players are looking back on this season, that fourth down might be the defining moment for the offensive line.
But it's hardly a representation of what they've come through.
Robinson is quick to credit his cohort on the left side for the offensive line's ability to come together.
"He's like a...," Robinson said, pausing to search for the proper word to compliment Messner's leadership, "like our dad.