compiled by megan boyle
You’ve made a career out of playing right guard, but you have the ability to move along the offensive line. What is it about the guard position that makes you so successful? “I’m right at that breaking point of being too short to play and be super effective at tackle. You need to be 6-foot-4 and some change, 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6 to play tackle. I’m 6-foot-3 and 7/8ths, so I’m right on the borderline of being able to have long enough arms, long enough reach, and all those variables play into playing tackle. I’ve tried both positions, and I’m better suited for guard. I’m strong; I’m stout, and guard just better suits my body’s framework. At the end of the day, when I have to push the guy past the quarterback, sometimes I’m just not long enough to get that done – so guard has always been better for my framework.” What’s the most difficult part of your position? “Pass-blocking for offensive linemen is the hardest thing we do. Two-minute situation: We’re down, they know we have to pass, and the defensive line is pinning their ears back – that’s the toughest part of our job.” What’s your favorite part about it? “Say we have a good lead in the second half, and [we’re] wearing them down in four-minute [offense]. Being able to run the ball more and also flipping the script a little bit: They know that we’re going to run the ball, and we just continue to run the ball and almost demoralize the defense or take the air out of their sails.” What advice do you give to the younger players? “I try to help them in every way I can – whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, [answering] questions. Things I know that will probably give them problems, things that I know they might be thinking about, I try to possibly give them a little tip here or there. I always try to be a positive light for them – let them know that it’s not too big for them. A lot of playing offensive line is having confidence. You have to have confidence to build a play and block people. When you’re a young player, you’re finding that way. You’re
2018 BALTIMORE RAVENS GAMEDAY | 13