BEAUMONT, Texas – Hogs, big uglies, grunts are all names used to describe offensive linemen, but the best description may very well be unsung heroes. Outside of the 'pancake block' – a stat which has no key code on stat computers, and only coaches track after breaking down film – there are no stats to grade a linemen's success. A majority of the recognition an offensive linemen receives is when mistakes are made like jumping offsides or giving up a sack.
 
The majority of the hype on the football field goes to the ballyhooed players at the "skill" positions. For offensive linemen, they must take pride in the success and attention others gain knowing they paved the way for the success of others. It is that mindset where the true concept of a team gains its strength – sacrificing the I in favor of the team.
 
It's probably that very attitude that makes first-year offensive coordinator Chuck Langston a perfect fit to coach offensive linemen. Before being promoted to coordinator, Langston spent two seasons working with previous coordinator Larry Kueck. During that time, the Lamar University football team produced one of the nation's more potent offensive attacks.  
 
"I'm not really a numbers guy," said Langston. "I know a lot of people really get into the stats, but there is only one number that I care about and that's the final score."
 
The Cardinals finished fifth nationally in total offense, seventh in passing offense and eighth in scoring offense last season. Winning the battle in the trenches allowing the offense to put up big numbers, was an unheralded group of linemen. In addition to numbers, they also protected the blind side of the school all-time leading passer, Caleb Berry, who finished his career as the school single-game, season and career leader in completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense.
 
After the final horn had sounded on the 2014 season, there was a lot of excitement entering 2015. The Cards would be returning three of five starters from a year ago, to go along with six high school standouts added to the roster on signing day.
 
That excitement took a bit of a hit when one of the returning starters, John Craven, suffered an offseason injury knocking him out of fall camp. The disappointment of losing Craven, was slightly offset by the addition of transfers Matthew Oubre and Cody Elenz. Alongside senior Justin Brock and junior Bret Treadway, the Cardinals have a strong nucleus entering 2015.
 

"The thing I like about these guys is when you go to the cafeteria they are all sitting together," said Langston. "There is already a strong bond created with our line. That is a big part with O-line play is the continuity and the chemistry. They enjoy being around one another.
 
"The transfers we added have fit right in. They act like they've been here forever so I'm really excited about this season," added Langston.
 
Brock and Treadway are stalwarts on the right side of the line. The duo has 48 combined starts between them and will be counted on to provide the same leadership as starters again this season.
 
The 2015 season will mark the third-straight year the Cardinals have gone with a different player at center. Langston hopes he has found his center for the next three seasons in Matthew Oubre. A 6-1, 290-pound transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, Oubre will have three seasons of eligibility remaining with the Cardinals, while Elenz (6-4, 290), who is expected to lockdown the starting role at left tackle, comes to Beaumont after spending two seasons at the University of Idaho.
 
Another youngster expected to join that group as a starter is a talented member from the 2014 signing class, Connor Ward. A 6-3, 300-pound sophomore from Bryan, Texas, Ward was able to fight his way into some playing time last season despite his freshman status.
 
"I really think this year's line as the potential to be the best line since I've been here," said Brock, a preseason All-SLC selection. "I think our experience really sets us apart from previous years. I've been around for several years, Treadway is a junior, and although Matt (Oubre) and Cody (Elenz) didn't play here they bring a lot of Division I experience along with them."
 
In addition to the talent expected to earn the starting nods for the season opener, the Cardinals have a huge crop of talented younger players fighting for early playing time. The roster includes 11 linemen who are sophomores or younger trying to work their way into the starting lineup.
 
"I think our first team is going to be really good," said Langston. "We are more physical than we've ever been. These guys have great technique and work really hard. Right now we are working on our depth. We have a lot of young guys so we have to get them ahead of the learning curve. Those young guys will be backups, and in the unfortunate case of an injury, they will be pressed into a starting role, so we have to get them up to speed. These are high-character guys and I'm excited about the group as a whole."
 
Another nickname that may apply to offensive linemen, unsung heroes. The guys that do a lot of the heavy lifting, knowing in the end individual honors may very well go to someone else. For the mindset of the LU offensive front that is fine as long as they have the opportunity to celebrate the team honors.
 
"I think the sky is the limit for this group as long as we continue to work together," added Brock. "If we continue to improve every day I think we will be fine. This is my last year and I want a ring. Being able to go out as a champion, that is all that matters."
 
-LU-