For Offensive Tackle Nick Kaczur, Smaller is Better
8/22/2003 12:00:00 PM | Football
Aug. 22, 2003
Toledo, OH - An informal poll taken last year revealed that the Rockets' starting offensive line was the second-largest in the country, averaging a whopping 320 pounds per man. This year's version will be just a bit smaller--around 315 pounds per man--but probably every bit as good.
Blame the reduced size on junior Nick Kaczur (6-5, 305), a two-time All-MAC left tackle, who lost 15 pounds in the off-season. But Kaczur said he is stronger than ever and considerably more mobile at the reduced weight.
"I felt I needed to get in better shape and get faster," said Kaczur. "I feel great. I think 305 is a better weight for me. I feel quicker now."
Kaczur is as good an offensive lineman as Toledo has ever had. He was named to the Lombardi Award preseason "watch list" as the nation's top lineman or linebacker, and was ranked as the country's 19th-best offensive tackle by the Sporting News. Needless to say, Kaczur is Toledo's best chance to be Toledo's first All-American since Chester Taylor in 2001.
"Our line should be good again this year, and it starts with Nick Kaczur at left tackle. He's the anchor of the line," said Amstutz.
While Kaczur could be the best offensive lineman in UT history, senior right tackle Erik Faasen (6-8, 352) is definitely the biggest ever to wear the Midnight Blue and Gold. Faasen provides the perfect complement to Kaczur on the right side of the line.
Two more seniors, Tim Dirksen (6-4, 295) and Darric Randolph (6-4, 328), will handle the guard positions. Dirksen was a starter as a sophomore until a knee injury sidelined him and forced him to endure months of rehab. He worked his way back into the rotation last year and could be a starter again this year. Randolph became a full-time starter last year and is expected to do the same again in 2003.
The newcomer on the line is junior center David Odenthal (6-2, 299). A native of Germany, Odenthal backed up All-MAC center Chris Tuminello last year and assumed the starting role last spring.
Other linemen with playing experience are sophomore Chris Wakeman (6-5, 290), a guard who will battle Dirksen for a starting job, and junior Wael Jarbou (6-5, 310).
Monday: The Kicking Game
