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Ashland University
2005 Spring Football Preview: Offensive Line |
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Offensive Line (Offensive Line Coach - Doug Geiser) Key Losses – Jason Schroeder (right guard). Top Returnees – Blake Dickson (left guard), Justin Dorr (right guard), Vince Cashdollar (center), Mike Dolfi (right tackle). Even though the NHL is on a extended vacation due to labor strife, they’ve always been experts when it comes to lines. The league has always had nifty nicknames like “The French Connection.” Also, the sport demands line changes, most of those taking place on the fly. The Ashland University offensive line is still lacking a nickname, but change and adapting on the run is no big deal. AU offensive line coach Doug Geiser has a group that’s flexible and talented. It has the potential to be deeper than it was a year ago. Sure, everyone has primary positions, but up and down the line, Geiser can plug players into different spots without a major cause of concern. The AU line is also bigger and stronger than it was a year ago and that comes from a productive offseason in the weight room. At center, the Eagles list 6-2, 310-pound Vince Cashdollar (Newark, OH) as the starter. He claimed the starting job last season when Bret Gordon (Mansfield, OH/Senior) was sidelined with an injury. Now Cashdollar starts and the 6-2, 305-pound Gordon is the reserve. Gordon is a junior and has been in the starting lineup for close to three seasons. That duo should be able to handle everything that comes its way. “Vince took over when Bret got hurt last year,” explained Geiser. “Bret knows what he’s doing.” Gordon will also see time as a reserve at both guard spots. At left guard, the starter is senior-to-be Blake Dickson (North Canton, OH/Jackson). The 6-2, 305-pound Dickson was a second team All-GLIAC choice this past season. Right now, he’s participating in track and field. He was an All-America indoors in that sport this year. “I’m not worried about Blake Dickson,” said Geiser. “He’ll be a leader for us up front. He needs to be an all-conference player for us.” Justin Dorr (Greenwich, OH/South Central), a 6-3, 305-pound junior, is penciled in as the starter at right guard. He’s moving to guard from tackle. “He’s taking to the guard spot very well,” Geiser reported. “It took a couple of days for him to get comfortable, but he’s coming along.” Steve Smelko (Richfield, OH/Revere), a 6-3, 295-pound junior, is the primary backup. “He gives us depth at both positions,” noted Geiser. Freshman Nate Hollins (Cambridge, OH/John Glenn) has played well this spring and is forcing his way into the mix at guard. “He’s a pleasant surprise and he’ll push Bret and Steve for backup minutes,” said Geiser of the 6-3, 310-pound rookie. He’s like Vince Cashdollar, very strong and very powerful. He’s gotten better every single day of practice.” At tackle, 6-5, 325-pound Mike Dolfi (Cincinnati, OH/Moeller) is the projected starter on the right side while a three-way battle is taking place on the left side of the line. “Mike is huge, very powerful, very strong and very smart,” offered Geiser. “He understands the scheme, the offense. Through our first two scrimmages he graded out the highest.” Andy Hunter (Uxbridge, ONT/Vanier), Kiel Miller (West Unity, OH/Hilltop) and Reggie Gamble (Mansfield, OH/Senior) are candidates for the starting job at right tackle. Hunter is a 6-7, 310-pound freshman who saw limited action last season. “It’s like night and day from last season,” said Geiser in evaluating Hunter’s work. “He knows the system and he’s cut some weight. He’s graded out very well.” Miller (6-5, 290) has played tackle and guard and through the spring session, has been solid everywhere he’s played. “He’s improved tremendously,” praised Geiser. The 6-5, 275-pound Gamble was redshirted last season. He has a chance to be a real good player,” Geier said. “He’s refining his game. He’s like Nate, he’s making strides.” |