Published: July 16, 2008 12:47 am      

WVU O-line has target on its back

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University’s offensive line, which returns all five starters from last year, is ranked No. 1 in the country by one preseason publication and No. 4 by another.

“That just puts a big target on our backs,” All-America tackle Ryan Stanchek said. “But, actually, that’s the way you want to be. You want that target. Sure, it puts pressure on us to go out and perform.

“But I love pressure. That’s just me.”

The 6-4, 303-pound senior from Cincinnati, Ohio, doesn’t think it bothers any of his teammates along the front line. Like him, they just go out and do their jobs very well, day in and day out.

Stanchek and left guard Greg Isdaner lead the way. They have started 29 and 22 games, respectively. All-Big East performers Jake Figner at right guard Mike Dent at center and right tackle Selvish Capers round out the starting cast.

Some of the backups also have game experience.

“I don’t think it’s a big deal (to be ranked high nationally),” Stanchek said. If you asked some guys on the team, they probably wouldn’t even know (about the No. 1 ranking).”

But Stanchek noted that this is certainly the deepest group of linemen since he has been here.

He said WVU players think about running, conditioning and getting ready for the start of preseason camp during summer workouts. That’s pretty much the prevailing mindset.

The Mountaineers also have spent some time going over the plays, particularly the new stuff installed on both sides of the ball during spring practice.

“Everybody does things together,” Stanchek said. “I think that’s why the O-line is such a tight group. We have a really great group of guys”

He and Dent missed most of spring practice while rehabbing after off-season surgery. But both have been working hard this summer and are eager to get going when practice starts on Saturday, Aug. 2

Stanchek, in his fifth year, just turned 22 and considers himself as the line’s “young old man.” The 6-4, 285-pound Dent, a senior, is the oldest at 24.

In all, there are four seniors up front and every one of those can be a leader. Stanchek said he’s not as vocal of some players, but he does try to lead by example.