07-23-2007, 10:56 AM
The Charleston Daily Mail Wrote:Stanchek expects WVU juniors to pick up line leadership roles
by Mickey Furfari
For the Daily Mail
Monday July 23, 2007
MORGANTOWN -- Tackle Ryan Stanchek, a third-year starter, has confidence in West Virginia University's rebuilt offensive line that is devoid of seniors.
"We're going to be younger this year, but I think we're going to be very good," the 6-foot-4, 300-pound junior from Cincinnati said during a break in summer workouts.
With 21 starts, he's the most experienced lineman in WVU's high-powered offense.
Tackle Jake Figner, also a junior, and sophomore guard Greg Isdaner are the only other regulars back from last year's offensive line. They have 13 and 12 starts, respectively.
Stanchek readily admitted that the graduation of All-America center Dan Mozes and All-Big East Conference guard Jeremy Sheffey are huge losses. But he said junior Mike Dent has settled in solidly at center and redshirt freshman Eric Rodemoyer at right guard.
"I think both of those guys will do an excellent job," Stanchek said. "(Junior) John Bradshaw backed up Sheffey last year and has started two games."
He thinks the fact the line is without a senior will spur the juniors to step up and fill the leadership roles vacated by Mozes and Sheffey.
"It's kind of a unique perspective," Stanchek said. "It's more about the juniors this year.
"If one goes down, a sophomore will step up. And the sophomores have some game experience, too."
Stanchek recalled that both Figner and Bradshaw got game experience by taking over for ailing veterans. Young backups include Selvish Capers, Jake Miller, Eric Jobe, Tim Reed and Jon Walko.
"All of these guys have been working real hard this summer," Stanchek said. "So, I think we have a chance to be really good on the offensive line."
He was a starting guard in 2005 before switching to tackle after last year's opening game in which Damien Crissey was injured.
He went on to earn second-team All-Big East recognition.
Stanchek said at 300 pounds, he weighs 48 more than when he came to WVU. He was credited with 46 knockdowns and graded out at 90-plus percent efficiency last season.
The Mountaineers begin their final week of summer workouts today. Preseason camp opens Aug. 4.