Invaluable linemen deserve credit
They work hard in the trenches, and they don’t mind it one bit
COMMENTARY
Carlos Alvarado

They love their job regardless of who watches.

It is hard being offensive linemen. When things go well, they don’t get any recognition. When things go bad, they get all the blame.

“The only people who realize they are out there are family, friends and the line coach,” offensive line coach Eddie Williamson said. “And if they have a girlfriend, then her too.”

The casual fan only notices a lineman when they go offsides, commit a penalty or give up a sack. All eyes are always on the skill position players. Fans marvel over spectacular catches and big runs but not at the important blocks that allow for these great plays.

This is the life of an offensive lineman.

“It’s all part of being an offensive lineman,” senior guard John Glud said. “We are the blue collar workers of a football team, and you accept that.”

Offensive linemen don’t even get cool nicknames. In 2000, All American running back LaDainian Tomlinson nicknamed his offensive line the “Big Uglies.” Yes, they are big, but ugly?

“It has to be ugly. We must have a nasty demeanor,” freshman right tackle Herbert Taylor said. “We can’t be neat. We must attack the situation and do what we must to move the chains.”

Nothing an offensive line does is graceful, either. Violence encompasses the players every move. Every snap is filled with force and brutality.

Over the course of the past few years, TCU has built a reputation of defense and a strong running game. Without the Big Uglies, however, there would not be a strong running game.

“We hope to continue developing that; success builds an attitude,” Williamson said. “When lines are good, there are obligations to carry out, and every man strives to meet those.”

This year, despite a few ups and downs, the TCU offensive line has been continuing the legacy.

The Big Uglies would not be living up to their reputation this year were it not for the performance of “Baby Ugly,” Herbert Taylor. Taylor, an undersized redshirt freshman, has stepped in and performed in a position usually reserved for upperclassmen and 300-pound behemoths.

“It is unusual to be starting a freshman, but he came in ahead of schedule.” Williamson said.

Williamson felt comfortable starting him, and his teammates believed in him as well.

“He only had a year here, but we aren’t worried at all,” Glud said. “Herb had the right demeanor from the moment he got here.”

Taylor was ready for this chance.

“I knew I had a shot,” Taylor said. “I just had to go out and fight for it.”

Football is a violent sport. It is the trenches where this violence is at its peak. These trenches are where an offensive lineman calls home. It is in the trenches that yards are gained and lost, games are decided and seasons forged.

Saturday against Houston the offensive line will be put to the test against a young but physical defensive line. The Cougars’ front four average almost 270 pounds, and standout defensive end Joe Clayton will give Taylor all he can handle in the trenches.

The Frogs square off against the Cougars at 7 p.m. in Houston, where the Big Uglies of TCU, along with “Baby Ugly,” will strive to do their best on every play regardless of who is watching, because they are the ultimate team players.

“It’s a nasty job, but someone’s gotta do it,” Taylor said.