Hawks looking to fill holes on offensive line

By Chuck Tidmore

Sports Information Assistant 

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team completed its eighth day of practice on Thursday and head coach Mike Turk is still seeing inconsistency on both sides of the ball.

"It was hot today, really hot, but we needed that," Turk said. "We got after it really good on Wednesday during the scrimmage so there was some soreness today and I thought we fought through it really well. We're still out of sync offensively, more than I'd like us to be, and we are not as consistent defensively. We look like we know what we're doing three to four plays in a row and then we give up a big play or a touchdown. That sort of stuff is something you do early in camp, but we aren't there anymore."

Last season, the offensive line paved the way for a program record, 2,936 rushing yards. Missing from last season's offensive line are three All-Conference selections, including three-time All-Region selection Chael Pridgen.

"The O-line is one area that we are looking for help but unfortunately it's one area where we have some guys dinged up," Turk said. "It's been a tough deal because we were expecting some newer faces to emerge but they have had to miss a few days due to injury. That makes it tough because you want these guys communicating with each other and to be a unit and we haven't been able to do that really more than two practices in a row during camp."

Senior and All-Conference selection Jesse Williams returns at right tackle and senior Jordan Shelby is back at left guard. Beyond those two, Turk said sophomore Adam Mann is leading the way at center and senior Jon Harrelson has stepped in at left tackle.

One position that is still up in the air is right guard.

"Right guard is the one position we are looking for help at," Turk said. "We've been rotating about three different guys in there over the course of camp because of injuries and it's kind of hamstringed us. But, they are having to play against one of the best defensive lines they will see all year. So, if they make a mistake, the D-line will make them pay. The D-line is making us better, which is good."

The Hawks take the field for practice on Friday at 9 a.m. 

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