Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFB | Orange offensive linemen forced to lose weight or ride bench
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 3/27/08, 1:11 AM EST Section: Sports
Browning's history as a coach suggests the Syracuse players should listen to his philosophy. In 2005, when he was with Minnesota, he led an offense that allowed the fewest sacks per game in the country. In his last five years with that program, the Golden Gophers allowed a combined 60 sacks, and he thinks having a smaller, more athletic line is a big reason why.
"You don't see guys you used to see in the 60s and 70s: great big fat guys that carry a lot of weight around their midsection," Browning said. "…It's a game of mobility. Guys lose their mobility when they're thick in the middle."
Thud
A full team of officials worked Syracuse's practice Wednesday afternoon for what SU head coach Greg Robinson calls the "thud" drill ? named for the sound made when the offensive and defensive linemen collide.
The Orange played what looked like a full scrimmage, but the plays ended with a bear hug, not with a full tackle. Syracuse ran between 50 and 60 plays, working on both running and passing. It did the same drill during Saturday's practice, marking the first real contact workouts of spring practice.
"I think they're adjusting," Robinson said. "Today was an installation day, so early in the practice, it seemed like it. I thought as the practice wore on, I thought that both sides of the ball grew a little more comfortable with what they were doing, and as the week progresses, you'd think it'll get cleaner and cleaner."
Running backs Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley, both of whom are still recovering from injuries, did not participate. Averin Collier, Doug Hogue and Daniel Bailey handled the ball-carrying duties.
Chiara, Marinovich update
It was less than a month ago Paul Chiara and defensive end Mikhail Marinovich were arrested for allegedly breaking into an equipment room at Manley Field House.
The pair's legal problems are still pending, but Chiara and Marinovich have been practicing with the team so far this spring.
"They have some business that they're going to take care of for a period of time," Robinson said. "Those things are in house, it's a private matter. But it's not been forgotten, and they're reminded daily."
jediamon@syr.edu
"You don't see guys you used to see in the 60s and 70s: great big fat guys that carry a lot of weight around their midsection," Browning said. "…It's a game of mobility. Guys lose their mobility when they're thick in the middle."
A full team of officials worked Syracuse's practice Wednesday afternoon for what SU head coach Greg Robinson calls the "thud" drill ? named for the sound made when the offensive and defensive linemen collide.
The Orange played what looked like a full scrimmage, but the plays ended with a bear hug, not with a full tackle. Syracuse ran between 50 and 60 plays, working on both running and passing. It did the same drill during Saturday's practice, marking the first real contact workouts of spring practice.
"I think they're adjusting," Robinson said. "Today was an installation day, so early in the practice, it seemed like it. I thought as the practice wore on, I thought that both sides of the ball grew a little more comfortable with what they were doing, and as the week progresses, you'd think it'll get cleaner and cleaner."
Running backs Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley, both of whom are still recovering from injuries, did not participate. Averin Collier, Doug Hogue and Daniel Bailey handled the ball-carrying duties.
It was less than a month ago Paul Chiara and defensive end Mikhail Marinovich were arrested for allegedly breaking into an equipment room at Manley Field House.
The pair's legal problems are still pending, but Chiara and Marinovich have been practicing with the team so far this spring.
"They have some business that they're going to take care of for a period of time," Robinson said. "Those things are in house, it's a private matter. But it's not been forgotten, and they're reminded daily."
jediamon@syr.edu
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