Bearkat O-line ready to step up

[blackfordpu]

Bearkat offensive line ready for leadership role in 2007

August 9, 2007

With the Southland Conference's top running back, all three starting wide receivers, and eight defensive starters gone, the four returning starters in the Bearkat offensive line realize they must assume a leadership role for the 2007 Sam Houston State football squad to be successful.

"We feel like it's our responsibility to keep up the tempo at pracitce and keep everyone's spirit up," senior offensive guard Ryan Dretke said as the Bearkats entered the end of their first week of preseason camp.

"We need to be the rock for the team, the group that is always steady and others can always depend upon," Dretke said. "Everything really starts with the offensive line. If we do our jobs blocking, the runners can pick up yardage and the receivers have time to make big catches. We know we're being counted upon to be leaders this year."

Dretke is one of four offensive line starters returning from last year's 6-5 Bearkat squad that finished as runner-up in the 2006 Southland race. Dretke along with tackle Brandon Hale, guard Hunter Schmidt, and center Brennan Williams started every game last season, blocking for Southland Conference Offensive MVP D. D. Terry who led the league with 1,328 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.

http://www.gobearkats.com/football/offensive_line.html