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Ojinnaka showing versatility of Falcons' offensive line


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/12/08

Flowery Branch — Quinn Ojinnaka officially became the most versatile player with the Falcons when he was moved to third-team center Tuesday.

Ojinnaka, drafted in 2005 as a tackle, has worked at every position along the offensive line - on the right and left sides - since offseason minicamps. Center was added to his job duties after backup Alex Stepanovich hurt his back at practice Monday, causing him to join starter Todd McClure (back) in the trainer's room.

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Ben Wilkerson and recently re-signed Doug Datish are now atop the depleted depth chart at center ahead of Ojinnaka, the No. 1 option at backup left tackle.

"I was like 'Wow' when they first asked me and as I was thinking about it and I was nervous," Ojinnaka said about the move to center. "I didn't feel so good because I'm not getting to play the position I'm truly good at. Then I was like, 'You can do it.' You have to have a you-can-do-it attitude or else you'll end up not being good at anything."

Added coach Mike Smith: "It's amazing that he can do all those things."

Smith said McClure, who has been sidelined since the second day of training camp, should resume practice by the end of the week. His playing status for Saturday's preseason home opener against Indianapolis is questionable.

Stepanovich is not seriously hurt, Smith said, but he is sore and uncomfortable.

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