Saluki offensive tackles display sound technique; Practice No. 12 notebook
08/14/2018 | 3:57:00 | Football
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By: By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. — If you were to design the perfect offensive tackle in a laboratory, he would probably stand about 6-foot-6 and weigh 300-plus pounds, with a massive wingspan to latch on to opposing pass rushers and the lower-body strength to uproot defenders in the run game.
On paper, Southern Illinois starting tackles Ernest Dye Jr. (6-2, 308, Jr.) and Ben Bailey (6-5, 266, Sr.) don't quite fit that mold. Dye has long arms but is generously listed at 6-foot-2. Bailey began his career at SIU at 225 pounds and is still on the slender side for an offensive lineman at 266. Ernest Dye Jr.
Football isn't played on paper, of course, and when you watch Dye Jr. and Bailey in practice, you'll see two technically sound and efficient football players who are more than capable of anchoring the ends of Southern's offensive line.
"It's all technique," explained Bailey, who operates at right tackle. "Even if you have the cookie-cutter shape that people are looking for, you have to be able to move your feet and use your hands well. Otherwise, you're just a big body."
The lack of ideal dimensions requires them to be fundamentally sound, Dye Jr. said.
"Since we're not the prototype tackles, we have to be perfect in everything we do technique-wise — first step, second step, especially," Southern's left tackle explained.
Both players have worked diligently to perfect their craft, including watching instructional video by 10-time NFL Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, who is considered the gold standard for offensive tackle technique.
"I love Joe Thomas' videos," Dye Jr. said. "He shows a vertical set to stop a speed rush, and he shows a short set, like a jump set, and then he goes vertical with it as well just to throw the defender off balance. Then he shows a 45 (degree) angle set. He talks about hand placement."
Bailey played guard in high school and never utilized a pass set before coming to SIU, but has now mastered the techniques as a fifth-year senior.
"Ben's one of the most technically sound guys we have," said offensive line coach Trevor Olson. "He's also a very smart football player, who comes from a football family, so he's been around the game his whole life."
Bailey's uncle coached him in high school and his twin brother, Samson, plays right tackle for Missouri. Ben Bailey
The son of six-year NFL pro Ernest Dye Sr., Dye Jr. didn't go out for football until he was a sophomore in high school, but immediately fell in love with the sport. For the record, his dad, who played for Saluki legend Carl Mauck with the Arizona Cardinals, stood 6-foot-6.
"The game is changing," Dye Jr. smiled. "Even in the NFL, tackle heights aren't 6-6 anymore, it's 6-3, 6-4 and these guys are able to move."
Dye Jr. has started at guard for the Salukis during the last two seasons, but as a left tackle in high school, he did not allow a single sack.
"He's just a smart football player," Olson said. "He's consistent, physical, tough and one of the leaders."
Several players took full advantage of their opportunities during Practice No. 12 of training camp today. Iowa WR Matt Quarells had another productive day, catching two touchdown passes from QB Sam Straub, including a 25-yard post route. Quarells has been running with the first team while starting WR Darrell James recovers from a minor injury. CB James Ceasar has been impressive in man coverage working with the first team. The former safety is holding down the position until CB Madre Harper returns to full strength.
Thursday's scrimmage at Saluki Stadium starts at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Posters and schedule cards will be available at the gate. Fans are asked to bring packages of diapers to donate to The Women's Center.
