In 1994, the OU offensive line was rated the 10th best in the country by The Sporting News.This year, the magazine has rated the offensive line among the worst in the league.Senior center Chuck Langston isn't putting much stock in preseason magazines."I don't put much emphasis on publications," Langston said. "Last year we got caught up in publications and we had a disappointing season."We're not going to let that happen this year."Langston began his freshman season as OU's backup noseguard before an injury ended his season. After the injury, he was moved to center where he has been the starter ever since."I don't think there's any pressure. We put pressure on ourselves as an offensive line. I think fans will see a changed line and an improved offensive line. We'll be ready," he said.Senior right tackle J.R. Conrad is also eagerly awaiting his senior season as well.Conrad came to OU in 1992 and was an instant success at center, where he started every game. But after a successful freshman season he was moved to left tackle, a position he had never played before.In 1994, he was moved once again to right tackle and will start at that spot this season."It's a relief (to play at the same position)," Conrad said. "When you flop sides everything changes. It wasn't a matter of physical ability. I can play all those positions."It was more of a mental relief than anything. You're a lot more at peace on the field."Conrad is also anxious to take OU to the next level."I think any time you come to Oklahoma you talk about a championship. I've been here three years and I've been robbed of them. I think it's time our senior class puts Oklahoma where it belongs and that's on top," he said.Conrad suffered a separated shoulder in fall drills and is doubtful for Saturday's season opener.Senior right guard Joe Carollo has had perhaps the longest road to his current position as a starter.Carollo came to OU in 1993 as a junior college transfer where he was a first team All-American.He started nine games his first season and would have been a key contributor in 1994 but a season-ending leg injury put those hopes on hold."I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life," Carollo said. "I look at the injury last year as a blessing it gave me time to get in better shape. Now I'm just ready to get out there."Now, in his last season, Carollo is focusing on a few simple goals."My goal is to pretty much dominate everybody on the defensive front and go out there and do my best," he said. "I would definitely like to be an All-Big Eight player, and I think the guys I'm playing with can help me do that."Senior Harry Stamps was moved from right tackle in 1993 to left in 1994. Like his teammates, Stamps is ready to start the season."I feel this is going to be a special year for me," Stamps said. "It's going to be my last go around so I'm going to take it very seriously."I don't feel any pressure. I'm going to go out and play my best and let the chips fall where they may."The last of the senior starters is left guard Milton Overton.In 1993, he started every game and last season spent much of the time at right guard before being moved to tight end.Offensive line coach Danny Hope came to OU with Howard Schnellenberger.Following his college career at Eastern Kentucky, Hope coached on the high school level before joining Schnellenberger at Louisville in 1985 as a graduate assistant.Hope is happy to be at OU and pleased with the Sooners' talent."I think I've got a lot of good football players," Hope said. "Our strongest point is our age and maturity. All of our starters are fourth or fifth year seniors."All of the starters bench press at least four hundred pounds."They're in shape, they're strong, experienced and ready to go," he said.Providing depth on the line will be sophomores Barry Giles, Jon Mulac and Bruce McClure, junior Chris Campbell and senior Jason Comer.hello there & you too
