Young, Talented Offensive Line Faces Doubters

The Harvard offensive line has undergone a series of changes over the past couple of years.

It dominated in 1997, led by now-Minnesota Viking tackle Matt Birk '98 with juniors and a senior to join him. Last year, those juniors became seniors and battled in the trenches, providing solid protection for a shaky quarterback and an oft-injured backfield.

Now all the Crimson has left is Mike Clare and a bunch of rather large nobodies. The junior right tackle, a year ago the baby on the line, boasts the only real game experience for any Crimson lineman. Harvard will introduce four brand-new starters this year, two of whom spent last season playing junior varsity football.

Ultimately, this may become a solid unit, but Harvard's success will depend upon how fast it matures.

"The offensive line is very inexperienced and youthful," Harvard Coach Tim Murphy said. "In terms of size and ability, it is arguably the best potential we've had, but they have to realize it."

If anything, this unit certainly has size. The weight of the group averages 282 pounds with both Clare and junior center John Kadzielski tipping the scales at 290 pounds.

Clare and Kadzielski will be joined tomorrow by sophomore left guard Dan Kistler. Senior Ryan Kauppila will start at right guard and share time with junior Spencer Knibbe, and sophomore Steve Collins will play left tackle along with sophomore Justin Stark.

Murphy assembled the unit during spring practice and left it up to the players to elevate their game and prove they belonged on the offensive. Through spring, summer workouts and preseason the guys have begun to gel and form a cohesive unit.

"The bonding started in spring ball," Clare said. "That was a great time for us. It seemed natural for everyone to take their role."

From the beginning, the leadership duties fell upon Clare to guide the inexperienced corps. He spent the time not only leading by example but also educating them on the speed of the varsity college game.

Clare proved himself last season as a sophomore. He was lost in the shuffle of the senior-laden corps, but as the year progressed he distinguished himself as one of Harvard's finest lineman.

"There's no question he is the leader of the line," Murphy said. "He plays with complete confidence and has an excellent work ethic."

Fortunately, Clare is no stranger to the task of guiding a young line.

At Rutherford High School, Clare had to perform a similar duty when the veterans graduated, leaving him as the lone wolf on the line. His experience has left him very willing to assume that role again.

"This task does not phase me," Clare said. "I started as a sophomore and knew something like this might happen. I just take it head-on because I enjoy the responsibility."

With such an eclectic assortment of linemen, it seems that everyone has a story on how he impressed the coaching staff.

Stark began the spring season as a clear second-string lineman, and although he began to move up the depth charts then, he didn't really make his mark until the summer.

During the offseason, Stark dropped 30 pounds to a svelte 280, and his hard work caught Murphy's eye.

"Justin Stark has really stepped up his game," Clare said. "He has impressed us all with his drive and dedication."

Kauppila joins this unit as a career backup who finally gets his chance to start. His years on the team also burden him with some leadership responsibilities as he adjusts to the full-time job. At least he has been witness to the wars, and from all accounts is not afraid to assert his seniority.

"Kauppila is the one senior, and he takes charge when he has to," Clare said. "It's good to know he's there."

Amazingly, the rest of the crew--Kistler, Kadzielski, Knibbe and Collins-- all spent most of last year playing junior varsity.

The new line has certainly worked as hard as it can to prepare for tomorrow's opener against Columbia. It will have to pass block effectively so the new starting quarterback, senior Brad Wilford, can feel more comfortable.

The air attack sputtered last year, and it's Wilford's job to use his strong arm to jumpstart it. He cannot do anything without some help from his line, and the unit has focused in practice to give it to him.

"It's going along well," Stark said. "There will be some rough spots, but we have a lot of hungry guys."

In the end, all the preseason determination and dedication does not mean anything until the games start. If and when this unit truly gels, it will be an imposing force.

Star Columbia linebacker Kevin Wright will surely be eager to test just how far they need to progress.

"There is no substitute for experience," Murphy said. "These kids have to go out and play the games."

If Harvard is going to challenge for the Ivy League crown this year, the "youthful" offensive line will need to grow up in a hurry.