Major Changes For Har-Ber Up Front

Staff Photo DAVID GOTTSCHALK Drew Dodson, center, snaps the ball during Springdale Har-Ber football practice. Dodson is one of four new starters on the offensive line for the Wildcats.
Staff Photo DAVID GOTTSCHALK Drew Dodson, center, snaps the ball during Springdale Har-Ber football practice. Dodson is one of four new starters on the offensive line for the Wildcats.

SPRINGDALE -- There's no doubt about the leader in the trenches for Springdale Har-Ber this season. He's Martin Escareno, a senior and the lone returning starter for the Wildcats.

Escareno (6-foot-2, 236 pounds) will move to tackle after starting at guard last year.

The Skinny

Position Battle: Offensive Line

Biggest Strength: The leadership and ability of Martin Escareno, who is the lone returning starter on offense for the Wildcats.

Biggest Question Mark: Four new starters on the offensive line and a new position coach. But Har-Ber has a history of producing quality linemen even after wholesale changes.

Watch Out For: Dylan Brinker, who moves from backup center to starting right tackle. Coach Day says Dylan has some of the athletic ability that helped his brother, Derek, become an all-state running back for the Wildcats.

"There was a quote about Brey Cook that said the Razorback offensive line doesn't do anything unless he says, and that's the way it is with Martin," Har-Ber offensive line coach Robert Day said. "Martin has been through all the battles and he's a very athletic football player who can play physical, too. I like having him around every day."

Day has plenty of work ahead after taking over for Don Struebing, who resigned after last season to enter private business. The Wildcats must replace four starting offensive linemen, including three who signed to play in college.

"It was a blessing to get to work with Don last year," said Day, who was formerly a head coach at Magnolia. "When Don got out, I felt the pressure of trying to put together a unit that's been successful since this program began. We're moving on here with a new chapter and I'm really excited about it."

Junior Drew Dodson (6-2, 240) takes over for Sam Struebing at center. Dodson is fully recovered after he broke his arm while lifting weights in the spring.

"Drew had missed some valuable time in the weight room, but he's getting that back," said Day, who assisted Don Struebing as offensive line coach last season. "He's real solid and he's going to get better each game."

Har-Ber plans to rotate three players at guard, seniors Quentin Chastain (6-5, 310) and Steven Flores (5-7, 225) along with junior Manny Carrillo (6-1, 260).

"You talk about a kid that's had some growth, that's Quentin Chastain," Day said. "He's a real physical run blocker and his technique is getting better and better. He's going to give us a great big presence in the middle.

"Steven is a technical who does everything right. He's a sound football player and he understands our concepts. He's small for an offensive tackle, but you can't help but pull for him. He gets the job done."

Escareno moves to tackle after playing inside at guard last season. Senior Dylan Brinker (6-1, 220) will also move to tackle after backing Sam Struebing at center. The tackle position was particularly productive last season with Chad Birkes (Henderson State) and Issac Johnson (Tulsa) leading the way for Sain Mathew, who set a single-season rushing record with 1,296 yards.

"For Martin, the move from guard to tackle is not a big transition because he's so athletic," Day said. "Dylan's brother, Derek, was an all-state tailback here at Har-Ber and Dylan has some of that athletic ability as well. Moving from center to tackle has been a bit of an adjustment for Dylan, but we're confident he's going to do a great job for us."

Sports on 08/23/2014

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