Go to a Llano High School football practice and it's difficult to miss the rows of linemen.
They're watching line coach Joe Kennedy as he works them through footwork and hand drills that are vital to every play.
The offensive linemen must be able to run block and pass protect against aggressive front sevens, led by defensive linemen, that live to blow up plays by getting fumbles, sacks and tackles for negative yards.
As he watched the linemen go through their drills, head coach Matt Green acknowledged two truths.
"We have very good offensive linemen and defensive linemen," Green said. "We need varsity reps."
They got just that during the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 10. Green called the outcome a draw, noting he saw the offense and defense made plays.
And there's no doubt the offensive line held its own against a Llano defense that is aggressive, physical and has the reputation for causing havoc in backfields.
"Our offensive line has a chance to be pretty good," Green said. "Some have varsity experience. They have a lot of potential. They have size."
The linemen are seniors Stephen Barrack, Thomas Calderon, Marshall Henderson, Isaiah Hernandez, Jaxon Johnson, Will Landers, and Rice Thomas, juniors Hayden Bigger, Zach Driskel, James Greenwood, Ethan Griego and Cason Stephenson and sophomore Mario Hernandez.
Michael Logan is a senior noseguard, while senior Logan Van Pelt, junior Konrad Zwicke and sophomore Cole Kennedy are defensive ends.
These players have many traits Green likes. Top of the list is they love to compete and are physical -- characteristics that wear out opponents, especially in the fourth quarter when the Jackets still have plenty left.
The ability to open holes and seal the edges pays dividends in the final minutes of a game as the defensive front seven hopes the ball goes elsewhere and the secondary doesn't have the strength to make a play.
Green believes the offensive line has the chance to be among the best in program history.
"They hit every play," he said. "They're grinders."
