Weakest Linemen

Coach,

Some things you may want to consider in helping you to arrive at your decision: IF a defense is coached right, they will most often put their BEST PASS RUSHER on the Backside. I am of the opinion that your choice at CENTER should ALWAYS be one of the strongest and best blockers! If your going to run the option then your BACKSIDE GUARD (we call him the QUICK GUARD) SHOULD BE able to pull, and wrap
in order for you to run the COMPLIMENTARY PLAYS for your option package, i.e. traps, power, sweeps, etc.

The one redeeming quality about running the option that will serve you well in your situation is the fact that
option football was designed originally to put two lesser offensive linemen on a single superior defensive lineman. Two little guys can double team a single DL and usually win the matchup, where one on one they can't match up.

I would suggest that you really make a concentrated effort to get ALL YOUR OL IN THE WEIGHT ROOM
ALL SUMMER LONG!!! Young pups, like your 9th graders, are just starting to mature physically and you will be surprised what a few months in the weightroom will do for their strength levels! Challenge them to be faithful to your summer program! Make sure that program entails not only weight lifting, but feet quickening drills like the jump rope and the dots! QUICKNESS can offset a lot of strength moves from a stronger defensive lineman! Best of luck as you make your decision.

Coach Easton