Quarterbacks have the most on their plate of any position, but centers also have quite a bit they are tracking, depending on which player sets the protection. Some systems use code words to help quickly relay information; some play calls are quite verbose and run the risk of getting lost in translation.
Gerald pointed out numerous recognitions for offensive linemen, and they aren’t nearly the only linemen on Minnesota’s roster who have garnered academic awards and attended prestigious schools.
What a player can do on the field always will be the biggest part of the evaluation, but evaluators also can learn more about a player’s study habits, and academic success in addition to the rigorous athletic requirements for players could be an indicator of good study habits.
Somewhat related, O’Connell was asked about rookie Max Bredeson’s and highlighted the fullback’s comprehension as a factor that has helped him open camp so strongly.
“Since he got here, obviously the mental approach, his ability to — I mean, there’s different types of players, right? And there’s very few that can sit in a meeting room, don’t need walk-through reps, don’t need a rep of it to then start applying their own high-level awareness that we know they have, but sometimes it takes a little time, depending on the position. He’s already shown he can apply that,” O’Connell said. “And then I think it’s been great seeing the physical side of it because you just never know from a standpoint of the different types of runs we’re doing. You guys have seen it. We’re asking him to do a lot of different alignments and movements and things like that, and then he’s still able. He’s always been really good getting fit in space on blocks, but he’s also been a really physical presence for us to help get runs started.”