Injuries turn out to be blessing in disguise for Irish
By BRIAN KESSLER
Assistant Sports Editor
Last season, an astounding nine offensive linemen made starts in the trenches for the 5-7 Notre Dame football team. But the decision to start nine lineman wasn't one head coach Bob Davie made casually. Instead, it was out of necessity.
Every time Davie turned his head, it seemed another lineman was hobbling off the field. And while the injuries took a toll on the Irish offensive attack and ultimately the team's record, the coaches and players are optimistic about the mixed blessing.
"The injuries hurt us last year, but it was sort of a blessing in disguise for us," fifth-year senior Mike Gandy said. "Our guys got a lot of game experience because of it and learned how to handle the pressure. So we're looking forward to next year."
With four returning starters and a wealth of depth, next year's offensive line is shaping up as one of the team's most experienced units.
"We're more experienced this year and that has helped us jump right into things," Gandy said. "We are learning the new plays and the defensive fronts and the guys are picking it up quickly."
Fifth-year seniors Jim Jones and Gandy hold down the starting guard spots during spring practice. The 6-2, 310-pound Jones made 10 starts at left guard, while Gandy, at 6-4 and 315 pounds, started all 11 games and logged the second highest number of minutes on the team.
Gandy has played the most career minutes of any lineman, but expects the whole unit to take on the leadership role.
"It's a big responsibility," Gandy said. "Last year John Merandi and I were the only guys back so it was a big role. But this year it's not just me. There are a lot of guys and this will be their last chance to do it right."
Senior John Teasdale (6-5, 305) and junior Jordan Black (6-6, 310) return at the offensive tackle spots. Both suffered season-ending injuries late in the year and Black is still recovering shoulder surgery and knee ligament damage.
The big question mark heading into the season will be the center position. Merandi, who logged the most minutes on the team last season, was denied a fifth-year, meaning one of the younger guys will have to step up and try to fill his shoes. The frontrunner early in spring drills is sophomore Jeff Faine.
"John was a big part of this line, but Jeff Faine is a smart guy and he knows what he is doing," Gandy said. "So we really don't lose much."
Faine (6-3, 292) was a highly recruited prospect out of Seminole High School in Florida, but hasn't stepped foot on the field during a game. His teammates, however, have made Faine's adjustment an easy one.
"It's been really cool," Faine said. "All the older guys took me under their wing and treated me as if I've always been there. They've shown me the ropes. It's really been neat to have four guys take you in like that."
Faine learned a lot in just one season from his mentor, Merandi.
"Merandi taught me how to be a leader and to always do the right thing," Faine said. "I never caught him doing the wrong thing. He taught me to believe in myself and be confident in what I do."
Faine, however, realizes he still has a long way to go before he makes his first snap against Texas A&M.
"I think I need to improve on my pass blocking," Faine said. "That's my main concern. But that'll come with experience and good coaching from Coach [Dave] Borbely. I'm just trying to be patient and I'm looking forward to getting better."
While the first team offensive line seems to be intact, each player will be looking over his shoulders quite a bit this spring. Davie has stressed that the starters aren't written in stone and the competition will be intense this spring and summer.
Sean Mahan and Kurt Vollers both made starts at tackle, while Rob Mowl and Ryan Scarola opened at guard during the `99 campaign. They will be looking to catch the eye of the coaches and earn a spot in the trenches for the Irish next season.
"It starts up front with the offensive line and this is probably the most experienced offensive line as far as numbers of players that have played in games since I've been here," Davie said. "We should have a lot of competition at each position and we should have depth."
All Sports Stories for Thursday, April 13, 2000
