El Dorado’s offensive line came on like gangbusters last season and ended up being a key cog in the most prolific offense in school history. The Wildcats return just two starters up front in Japhen Baker and Jamaal Green.
They will be counted on in a major way as El Dorado looks for more production from the ground game.
Baker returns at center while Green will move from tackle to right guard this season. Coach Steven Jones said Green will be a good fit for the Wildcats’ inside run game.
“He’s going to be able to play tackle for us as well. But we had a couple of longer guys that probably fit the tackle spot a little bit as far as body type goes. Jamaal fits better at guard for us,” Jones said. “He’s kind of had to play tackle by default the last couple of years. We’ve had some young guys step up at tackle that we feel good about. Jamaal is more natural at guard.”
The Wildcats’ other projected starters up front include Carmelo Johnson at left tackle, Ethan Faith at left guard and AJ Craig, who moves into Green’s old spot at right tackle.
Green said he’s playing a different position with the same mission.
“Same role - to dominate, don’t let the guy behind us get hurt, protect him at all costs. We’ve got to be a hundred percent every play,” said Green, who said it was a simple transition.
“It hasn’t been complicated. I’ve played right guard before. It’s just an adjustment. You adjust and adapt to it and keep going.”
El Dorado plan to put more of an emphasis on the rushing game. Green spent the off-season getting stronger, quicker and more explosive. In the weight room, he boasts a 295 power clean, 270 bench and 475 squat.
“I love to run block. But whatever we have to do to win,” said Green. When asked if he could call the plays, he answered with a smile, “We’d be running 90 percent of the time.”
As a group, Jones said he’s liked how the offensive line looked in the preseason.
“I think they’re looking good. We’re very simple in what we do up front. Because of that, we’re able to work on more technique,” said Jones. “I think the offensive line is farther along than we were at this time last year as far as understanding the scheme and understanding when we initiate contact, what technique to use.”