Texas Tech University Athletics
Offensive Line Stands Tall
October 18, 2014 | Football
The Texas Tech line has been quite effective this season, allowing only five sacks through six games, the fewest in that span since 2008.
Oct. 18, 2014
By Ashley Wilde & Christina Anderson
Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Texas Tech's offensive line is making improvements and it's not going unnoticed. Just ask Lee Hays.
"I know that the guys come together, and they enjoy being around each other," said Hays, who is in his second season as Tech's offensive line coach. "I think that we have a pretty tight group and we know each other pretty well. We know what each other is thinking and each other's strengths and weaknesses."
But it hasn't been easy getting there. Long practices, extra workouts and bonding time have brought the line together.
Tech's offensive line has three returning starters - Jared Kaster, Le'Raven Clark and Reshod Fortenberry - all of which that have started every game the past two seasons. Also returning for the Red Raiders are guards Alfredo Morales and James Polk, who, over the past two seasons have accumulated more than 10 starts.
Kaster, who leads the line at center, said the offensive line feels the pressure of the unit on its shoulders. He said when the offensive line is at its best, it sets the tone for the entire offense.
"We come out every day, trying to be the best offensive line and the hardest working offensive line in the country," Kaster said.
The run game is an aspect of Tech's offense that has seen possibly the most improvement this year.
Junior running back DeAndre Washington, who has two games with over 100 rushing yards already this season, gives the offensive line credit his success. Washington is coming off a career-high 29 carries for 132 yards last Saturday against West Virginia.
Washington, who is averaging over five yards per carry, is comfortable running the ball this year. He knows who the linemen are going to block and where each gap will open, making his job as a running back much easier.
The offensive line's improvements aren't limited to their actions in the running game. Over a span of six games, the unit has allowed only five sacks, the fewest by Tech's offensive line through six games since giving up just one in that span in 2008.
Hays said Clark, a preseason Lombardi and Outland Trophy watch list candidate, and Kaster have really stepped up this year and have added maturity to the unit. Both have been the leaders of the offensive line so far this season.
"I think the guys up front kind of set the tone for everything," Hays said. "I think with their added leadership they know that we are going to try and play fast and they've got to lead from the front."
Hays added that the offensive line has grown together over the past two seasons and has made the necessary improvements needed to succeed as an offensive line.
"With my core guys that have been here, I think that their character and their integrity is what I'm most impressed with or proud of," Hays said. "I think I have a good group of kids that come in everyday and work hard and care a lot about Texas Tech and want to see us succeed."
