High School Varsity O-line

Question
QUESTION: My son is a fine, hardworking kid. (Bench 250, Squat 425)He is entering his senior year and just finished the pre-season football camp for his school's team. It became clear that although his passion is linebacker, the head coach is putting him on the O-Line. My boy is barely 5'10" and weighs 195#. I fear he will become the target of every opponent D-Line as the easiest path to the QB. He has never even played offense in his life. I am terrified that he will be at unnecessary risk, and I've communicated my fears to the coach...no response. If something serious were to happen to my son that I could have prevented, I could never live with myself. I'm thinking of pulling him. He's completely discouraged now anyway. Friday Night Lights just isn't worth this. I welcome anyone's sincere comments. THX

ANSWER:        I don't really know the politics of the school, and the reason for the decision.  But I do know on my teams that I coach, I make some of the same moves that this coach on your sons team is making.  In fact the last two seasons some of my best o-line were kids that were similar in size to your son.  I think with his strength and quickness he will do well at o-line.  SO I would definitly not pull him off the team.  I also think that he should get a chance to play linebacker as well.  My smaller physical 0-line players often play lb for my teams on defense as well.   GOOD LUCK COACH NOEL!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much, Coach. There was a lot I didn't tell you because I didn't want to write a book. There is a huge political element to all this. My son was so discouraged on JV with the favoritism that he didn't play football last year. Every trainer and camp he ever attended, including one with the Nebraska linebacker coach, tells him he's a natural linebacker. The high school coaches tell him he's no good and never let him try linebacker. I have no doubt what you say is sincere. It's just that I know the teams they play and the size of the linemen. They are huge, and I have seen other smaller kids get carried off the field. Have you really played boys my son's size as offensive guards in varsity high school football? THX so much.

Answer
  Yes often my starting guards are under 200 pounds.  I like smaller guards that can pull.  If a guard is to big sometimes they are slow.  They have a hard time pulling and getting out on screen passes.  I feel bad that your kid isn't getting a chance to play linebacker.  On my teams I always give a chance to see all my kids go out for the position they want to play.  If they arn't performing at the level I need them to, I then might change there spot.  All of my kids on my team practice at least 1 offensive position and at least 1 defensive position.  But my teams usually only have 35 kids on the roster.   Best of luck Coach Noel!