By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
Protecting the QB hasn’t been of the Spartans’ forte.
In 2016 SJSU silently ranked dead last in the nation in sacks allowed, giving up 50 in only 12 games.
No one talked about it, at least outside the Spartan locker and conference rooms.
It was the first time in three seasons that any team in division 1 football conceded 50 or more sacks.
The Spartans have yet to determine their guy under center, but if earning the spot means getting sacked 50 times, at least sign the poor guy up for some free CTE insurance.
The solution starts with the big boys up front. Four of the five offensive linemen will be fifth–year seniors.
Keoni Taylor, Nate Velichko, Chris Gonzalez and Jeremiah Kolone are all entering their final season as Spartans and will be the backbone to the success the Spartans hope to have on offense.
If the Spartans can spread the field on offense, they will force any defense to respect the pass. Add a multi-dimensional running attack and just like that, QB one has a lot more time in the pocket.
The O-line needs to do its homework. Not only week-by-week, but beginning now, over the Summer.
Whether that means knowing to read each teams’ blitz, telegraphing certain areas of the field on certain situations, or just strength and conditioning, this line will make or break success on offense for SJSU.