No matter if Southern’s quarterback struggles (no matter who it may be at this point), no matter who lines up as tailback, nothing can happen without an offensive line to place the key blocks for it all to start. The big boys in the trenches are the last to get credit, or blame, but they make or break almost any offensive play. The O-Line had plenty of question marks coming into this season. Last season the line was decimated with injuries. This season it has been about solidifying a group that has never really played together last year. Early this season it seemed like the questions were for nothing, but they have resurfaced as the team continues to flounder.

First, there is the very versatile Lance Gerard. Gerard has played and started at center, after former center Brandon Jones went down with an injury two years ago. The 6’3”, 295 lbs., senior from Laplace is going to be responsible for cementing the big line this season. Gerard has played virtually every position the offensive line has to offer. This makes him a very interesting weapon for the Jags, as he can line up anywhere as he is needed. Primarily, Gerard has been lining up at right tackle to help with the pass rush. All of this occurs after Gerard had to deal with a pectoral injury last season. Coming into this season Gerard had seen more snaps than any other linemen as was prepared to start this season off.

With Gerard primarily lining up on the right side to take up the pass rush, a decision had to be made about who would take over the duties of the center.  SU turned to junior Demarcus Stewart to take over and become THE man on the Jags O-Line.  Gary Smith (SU’s O-Line coach) said at the beginning of the season that Stewart can still work on technique and play calling, but overall the coaches like what they saw in him. Smith also got the nod because without him Southern would have to choose between two inexperienced freshmen to anchor the line in the middle.

The line has some other notables contributing this season. Jacoby Collins has returned to the Jags after a two year layoff. Collins will be contending for the right guard spot with Tremaine Johnson. Johnson is skilled at both guard positions and he has the edge since Collins because of his absence. Wyatt Tatum, a junior college transfer moved from right guard to left.

The guys in the trenches were able to hold everything together as the season began. They allowed J.C. Lewis to light up the scoreboards the first two games of the season. The entire team has since continued to struggle, but the big men may be coming back to as current started C.J. Byrd was able to pass for his season high 189 yards. When the QB has time to get the yards, it always speaks to how the O-Line has come together.