Breaking it Down - Center

We have our QB, now to the man that runs the line, adjustments and simply gets the ball to Daniel's (or whoever's) hands, the center. Not the most glorious position on the team but arguably the most important on the line for the offense. The center anchors the line, snaps the ball then must block, must hear snap counts, points out blitzes and defensive shifts, its a busy position that many take for granted. So lets give some love for the big guy and look at who will be under center this year for the Bulls.

Kevin McCaskill was listed as the starter last year. Weighing 304 lbs. he would have been a major anchor and force on the line. But due to injuries and a decision by Leavitt he moved over to guard and tackle throughout the year. He may have a chance to be the starter this year with the new coaches and is valuable because he can play multiple positions, he just needs to stay healthy.

The starter for most for the year was Sampson Genus, the 314 lb. converted defensive tackle. Genus is an interesting story, came in as a DT, moved to offensive tackle two years ago, switched back to DT and last year came back as the center and he looks to be staying here for good. Genus was good at center, able to snap the ball well, block well and great wholes for Daniels and the stable of running backs to run through. He should be the starter for next year unless someone steps up in his way or he is injured. He suffered a knee injury last year and the Bulls struggled a bit when he was out 1 game with the snap count, showing he is a must have for the line and with his size he can protect the QB just long enough to make a play.

Two other centers on the roster, Michael Walsh and Corey Schomp, both freshmen and both under 300 lbs., Schomp weighs only 240 for example, sounds more like a tight end player. Both of them will most likely either red shirt or even switch position. They are too small to play at this level and too much experience in front of them to get to see any playing time this year.

There may be some switches between the offensive line and defensive front so there may be a change at center but coming into the season, look for Genus to remain the starter and McCaskill to either back him up, move over to guard or even go to the defensive side where he can use his size to cause trouble. This may be a first that the big man at center gets his own analysis blog but its well deserving, even the big guy on at the center of the line needs love to.