Bears learn from older line

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2005
The monsters of Strawberry Canyon are back. And that's good news for the younger members of Cal's football team.
With young players assuming key roles all around, the 300-pound-plus steady stalwarts on the offensive line are providing a source of comfort with their maturity, savvy and talent.
"Their challenge really is to help the other guys," coach Jeff Tedford said.
The line returns four starters from last year -- right guard Aaron Merz, right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan, center Marvin Philip and left tackle Andrew Cameron. Merz, O'Callaghan and Philip are seniors.
Last year the unit cleared the way for tailback J.J. Arrington to run for more than 2,000 yards and afforded quarterback Aaron Rodgers the protection to throw 24 touchdown passes. All four returning starters earned All-Pac-10 honors, with Philip and O'Callaghan first team. Philip also ended his season as an All-American.
Guard Jonathan Giesel was the lone starter lost to graduation.
The linemen will anchor an offense that will have a new quarterback -- either junior-college transfer Joe Ayoob or redshirt freshman Nate Longshore - - and a retooled wide receiving corps. Even heralded sophomore tailback Marshawn Lynch will be new to the role of every-down back.
"They provide a lot of poise in the huddle because they've been in so many huddles and have so much experience," Tedford said. "They can calm things down."
The linemen lead by example, especially in setting the tone at practice. They don't require a lot of instruction, so coaches can focus on the less experienced players.
And because they're all veterans of Tedford's offense, line coach Jim Michalczik already is working on subtleties he'll employ during the season.
"Mentally, we're so much further ahead this year," he said. "There will be times in the meetings I'll tell the freshmen, 'Don't listen to this,' because I don't want to confuse them."
Specifically, Michalczik said he is able to talk about game situations the line is likely to face from certain opponents this year, preparing contingencies rather than "just reacting."
The linemen are all enjoying the benefits of their experience.
"On the field we do a lot of thinking on the run," Merz said. "There are some things you just can't practice. Over time, you develop a sense of calm."
Cameron said he struggled last year in games against USC and Stanford.
"I really had to dig deep," he said. "But what I really had to do is learn that it's never as hard as you think it is."
O'Callaghan also has come around to a mature perspective.
"I've learned to stay composed during the game," he said. "I've learned it really is just a game."
It also is of critical benefit that so many of the linemen have played together as a unit.
"The O-line is all about working together," O'Callaghan said, noting that three seniors are going into their third year of lining up side-by-side. "It's really knowing what the guy next to you is doing."
"Having that chemistry is really crucial," Philip added. "The offensive line is the one unit on the field that has to be going on the same cylinders all the time."
None of the linemen are vocal leaders, each saying he tries to lead by example.
"We like to think we lead practice," Merz said. "When our pace is high and our intensity is high, the rest of the team follows. We set the tempo. ... Everybody feeds off us."
Michalczik says he doesn't know who will become the fifth starter. He said junior Erik Robertson, who made a start for the injured Giesel last year, and redshirt freshman Noris Malele have been impressive so far in training camp. And he describes redshirt freshman Alex Mack as "a kid I'm going to have a hard time keeping off the field."
Although the veterans are no doubt secure, Michalczik is open to competition for playing time.
"It's a new team, a new group," he said. "Let's see who the best five are. Let's see who the best 10 are."
He said he has more depth on the line than he's had in his three years at Cal. Plus, with so many veterans he has the luxury of working more with the younger players.
"The offensive line is always a process -- a learning, growing experience," he said. "We're going to groom the young guys this year. ... You have to every year."