It Could Be an “Open Season” for Mong in 2005
August 24, 2005

Fisherman always talk about the ones that gone away. If he was of that ilk, Ashland University senior tight end Brian Mong (Columbus, OH/Bishop Watterson) could do the same thing.

How many passes have gotten away from Mong the past few seasons? AU fans have always believed there’s something fishy going on when passes aren’t being tossed Mong’s way. AU head coach Lee Owens, in his second season with the Eagles, is with the Eagle faithful on this issue.

“We want to get him the ball more,” said Owens. “Some of our routes are option routes, he just has to get open. So many of our routes are tight end friendly. The tight end, in my opinion, is the most underused option at all levels of football. We’ll see what we can do about that.”

Mong had 19 catches last season. His season high in receptions came in 2003 when he pulled in 27 passes and averaged 9.3 ypc. Mong has never caught more than two touchdown passes in a season. If everything goes according to plan this year, those figures should expand like Fat Albert’s waistline.

“I know they want to get me the ball, but it’s up to the reads Nick (AU quarterback Strance) sees,” explained Mong. “I’ll do my best to get open and hopefully they’ll get it to me.

“If Nick throws me the ball, I’ll catch it,” continued Mong. “I can do some damage after the catch. I’m confident I can make something happen.”

That statement packs some punch, but those are the kind of words the coaching staff wants from the 6-3, 264-pound senior. The AU coaches believe that sometimes in the past, Mong has been too willing to go with the flow.

“Part of it, I think, is a lack of confidence on Brian’s part,” offered Owens, when asked why Mong didn’t have more catches in the past. That’s why a good start is so important for Brian. He needs to have as much confidence in himself as the people around him do.”

Mong has some different folks surrounding him this year, including a new position coach – Jim Fisher. The AU tight ends coach earned three letters as a tight end playing for the Michigan Wolverines. His presence has provided new insights for Mong.

“Coach Fisher has helped me with my route running,” Mong explained. “He’s brought a lot of good ideas. He has some good solid methods in route running.”

Throughout his career at AU, Mong has excelled at helping other people run, especially running backs. A year ago, tailback Antwan Hart set a school single-season rushing record with 1,474 yards. Mong was part of a cohesive offensive line that cleared the traffic for Hart. That unit returns intact in 2005.

“That’s probably his strength, he’s a dominating blocker,” noted Owens. “On the edge we can do things with our offensive scheme because he can single block the defensive ends we play. When you have someone like that, you can do a lot more with your scheme.”

That scheme will be unveiled for the first time this Saturday (Aug. 27) when AU visits Saint Joseph’s in a non-conference battle. AU was 5-6 last season and the Pumas went 7-4. The two teams met in the season opener last year in Ashland and the Eagles were a 48-7 winner.

“The coaches have started flexing me out where the wide receivers line up,” said Mong when asked about this year’s offense. “I’ve been having a lot of fun with that. I think it opens up other guys if I’m open. It makes the defense think that much more.”

Mong had one catch in last season’s victory over Saint Joseph’s. Everyone around the program expects more in this year’s game and not just because what the coaches have promised. When the Eagles conduct their annual physical tests, Mong is near the top of the charts. There’s not much he can’t do physically. He’s big, strong and runs well.

“I guess that’s just the drive to improve,” said Mong on his knack for producing eye-catching numbers on those physical exams. “I came in here as a guard and was one of the weaker guys. I always had pretty strong legs. I saw how strong the older guys were and I wanted to be like that. Once I got in a game, I saw how important that was.”

Mong is now one of those older guys. He’s strong of mind and body and poised to go in 2005.

“If I’m telling myself I’m doing everything I can to get open, that’s all I can do,” said Mong.

That’s an open-minded approach from a player who should find wide open spaces in 2005.