Monday, August 13, 2018
By Brett Shweky/Sports Director
With numerous returning players and depth throughout the position, the Panthers’ offensive line has the opportunity to be one of the best groups the program has had in years.
“I don’t know much, but I know that iron sharpens iron,” said offensive line coach Allen Mogridge on the competition within the unit. “The competition is definitely changing the level of play across our program. Anytime you have numerous guys and you have competition, it elevates the entire program.”
Sixth-year guard Jordan Budwig was named to the Conference USA Coaches’ Preseason Team and is expected to assume a leadership role among the offensive linemen.
Budwig bounced back in 2017 to establish himself as one of the best guards in the conference following consecutive seasons with injuries in 2015 and 2016. The six-foot-four, 311 pound lineman started in all 13 games and helped FIU’s rushing attack accumulate over 2,000 yards during the previous season.
Adding to the veteran leadership is redshirt senior Kai Absheer who appeared in all 13 games for the Panthers. Manning the right tackle position, Absheer is primed to be one of the anchors on team’s offensive line
Also returning to the line is junior Dallas Connell and is looking to build off his solid sophomore season. The six-foot-three, 285 started in 12 games last year and is working towards the starting right guard spot.
Redshirt sophomore Shane McGough has been making strides this offseason and may potentially work his way into the starting five. Having played in nine games in 2017, McGough has the necessary experience to push his way into the main rotation.
The offensive line added size to their unit by adding 310-pound redshirt junior Shacquille Williams as well as 320-pound sophomore D’Ante Demery. Both transferred into the program following their stints at their respective community colleges and have been seeing considerable time within first string unit.
“The five returning starters, who played almost all the games last year, they’re doing a great job helping guys that might actually even take their job,” said head coach Butch Davis on the competition within the group.
FIU’s defensive line might be the most talented opposition the current Panthers’ offensive line has faced yet. With key transfers and overall growth from the defensive line, the two units have been and will continue to push each other throughout the remainder of training camp.
“This is the most talented front that I’ve seen in a very long time. When you have good competition on the other side of the ball and everyone’s competing for sports, it just brings the best out of people. You have to get better everyday out here or you’re going to be left behind,” said Budwig.
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