Instead of getting the best offensive linemen by position on the field at the same time, the Bruins’ coaching staff has made some changes to simply get their best five out there, regardless of position.
Because of this, senior Chris Joseph is making the transition from guard to center.
“It’s just a new position, just like any other change,” Joseph said. “I’m getting the hang of it now.”
With the Bruins’ new offensive system, the responsibilities of the center have been lessened, which means Joseph does not have to make all of the line calls and adjustments.
“A lot of the responsibility was on the center last year,” Joseph said. “A little bit less so this year, but it’s just part of the position.”
Under new offensive line coach Bob Connelly, the focus so far has been on technique and footwork rather than more of the big-picture attitude that former coach Jim Colletto brought last season. For senior offensive guard Shannon Tevaga, this means a renewed focus on the basics.
“It’s always good to learn in practice,” Tevaga said. “Especially with new coaches, it’s good to see different kind of things from different coaches.
“There’s stuff that I hadn’t even learned yet that Connelly’s taught me, so I’m just taking it day by day.”
Among other changes that the offense faces are adjustments to the pass-protection scheme. However, with four returning seniors, they are experienced.
“That’s big ““ the expectations I have for this O-line are high. Everybody has playing experience under their belt,” Tevaga said.
FORBATH STRUGGLING: Redshirt freshman kicker Kai Forbath has struggled so far this spring in his attempt to fill the shoes of All-American Justin Medlock. At practice on Tuesday, he missed at least two from the left hash mark, a problem area coach Karl Dorrell has identified.
“He’s been having some trouble a little bit on the hashes, particularly on the left hash,” Dorrell said.
“We’re competing with him every day, putting him through some scrimmage snaps, getting him used to the timing and rhythm of what he needs to do. He’s a young player who has a lot of talent, and he’ll get better. This is part of spring, … him growing up through the process to hone his skills.”
BELL SHOWS HIS TALENT: Junior running back Kahlil Bell has had the opportunity to get a lot of carries with both seniors Chris Markey and Derrick Williams out for the spring. He has seemingly taken advantage of this and has impressed the coaching staff.
“He always had a great work ethic,” Dorrell said, “but now he’s able to perform because of that maturity. He’s having a very good spring ball. He’s been noticed almost every day. He loves opportunities to make plays with the ball whenever he gets a chance to and he’s been doing that.”
JUSTIN BROWN BACK: Redshirt sophomore offensive tackle Justin Brown has been reinstated by the university after an unspecified problem, but he will not practice this spring.
“We’ve got him back training and working out in the weight room,” Dorrell said.
“We’re in our third week of spring and he is way, way behind, but he is back in school. I found out about it yesterday.”
With reports from Dave Woods, Bruin Sports senior staff.