After day four of spring practice, Mountaineers offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. discussed what he sees in his offensive line and his expectations with the group.
Through only two padded practices, Bicknell seemed to be impressed with what he has seen so far.
“They’re a very willing group, they want to be coached, they want to play hard,” Bicknell said.
Working in a high tempo offense, Bicknell emphasized how important it is that the offensive line can keep up with the pace of play.
“First of all you got to be in shape. I mean you can’t be one of these big, fat, sluggo guys just kind of waddling around,” Bicknell also said, “We need to have athletic linemen that are in shape, that can run, that can press the tempo.”
With decades of experience in coaching on both the college and professional level, Bicknell was asked about what it means to be a players coach.
“I want to make sure the players know that we truly do care about them, but also we’re going to push you to be the highest level you can be. We’re not going to accept anything but your best,” Bicknell said.
Bicknell has seemed to have built many meaningful relationships with his players through the years. He talked about how important it is to him that he has a lasting impact on his players.
“I enjoy my players, I like being around them. That’s why I do this. I hope that I’m able to have an influence on a young man at a critical point of his life,” Bicknell said.
As the Mountaineers continue through spring practice, Bicknell’s leadership will be shown through his offensive line. Matching Rich Rodriguez’s ‘hard edge’ mindset, Bicknell made it clear that he will prepare his line to get where they need to be.
Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics
