Less than a week out from the start of the season, Ryan Fodje’s learning a new position.
The sophomore offensive lineman has never played center in his career, though he was an emergency backup at the position in high school. However, after fifth-year center Jake Maikkula’s knee injury, Fodje has practiced snapping the ball between his legs.
Fodje made four starts at tackle and two at guard last year, and, now, stepping into center, he takes pride in his versatility.
“It's been good so far, working with (offensive line) coach (Bill Bedenbaugh), Jake (Maikkula), Caleb (Nitta and) Noah (Best),” Fodje said. “All those guys, they're amazing. I said earlier in fall camp that I can take my glove off and play center. So that's what I'm doing right now.”
Fodje added that Maikkula has particularly been an active, helpful presence as the sophomore grows to be more comfortable at center.
“He’s done amazing,” Fodje said. “He’s been teaching me the techniques, ways to hold the ball (and) get the ball.”
Fodje feels that adjusting to a new center is more complicated for fifth-year quarterback John Mateer than the lineman himself, anyways. The two have consistently been working on their connection to ensure a positional switch does not disrupt the offense.
“It could be a bigger adjustment for the quarterback because it’s a different center, and they have different feels for how their center gets it up there,” Fodje said. “But it’s just reps after reps, building that chemistry. … I’ve been staying after practice every day, snapping with John under center and in shotgun.”
Mateer has been impressed with Fodje’s ability to quickly learn the position.
“It’s been really good,” Mateer said. “Like I say about all these guys, we have a good relationship off the field, and that just translates. … He’s doing a great job and props to him for learning so many different positions. His versatility is huge for himself and for this team, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed.”
Fodje impressed as a freshman, playing multiple positions and allowing just one sack on 254 pass-blocking snaps. Now, as a sophomore, his versatility becomes more important with the projected starting center out to start the year. It’s unclear how long Maikkula will be out, but the players behind him are keeping their sights on making sure the line does not lose a step.
Nitta, who started at center for Western Kentucky last year, freshman Noah Best and Fodje are all fighting for the position, and they take pride in their battles.
“All of us together are very versatile,” Fodje said. “We can all slide around to different spots and just fit together like glue. It’s easy for us to translate information to one another. Our communication is really good, and our chemistry is very good.”
This story was edited by Charlie DiVincenzo.
