Offensive Line Coach John McLaughlin
Another stat from the 2021 season that stands out is, well it's a series of stats, that are heavily connected to the play of the offensive line.
The Lions allowed just 12 sacks this season, down from 21 the season before and second least in the Ivies.
In rushing yards, Columbia had 1,580 net yards. That's up from 1,092 the previous season. The Lions also had the second most rushing yards in the Ivy League.
Here's the kicker: Depending on what senior Center Tyler Worrell decides to do, the Lions could return their entire starting offensive line in 2022. That's something that simply doesn't happen more than once in a lifetime in college football, and even less often in the Ivy League. (I do believe Cornell returned about all of its O-line two or three seasons ago, but it was actually a subpar unit both years).
Yes, some part of the O-line's success in 2021 was due to the amazing talents of RB's Dante Miller and Ryan Young. It also benefited from QB Joe Green's better-than-expected ability to avoid sacks. The O-line also has to take some responsibility for the Lions not scoring enough red zone TD's in 2021.
But by any standard, this was and is a very good front five. There are just too many strong stats proving that to ignore it. And getting four or five of these starters to return in 2022 with the same QB and one of the two key RB's is a positive scenario Columbia has not experienced... well maybe ever.
1 comment:
We will also have our very large TE Luke Painton back. He should continue to improve as a blocker, and we have some very promising TEs behind him.
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