Attempting to fulfill his goal of improving his team’s ability run between the tackles, Kennesaw State coach Brian Bohannon has changed the positions of a few players during the spring practices.
Joe Alexander has moved from defensive line to guard, taking his 306 pounds from trying to stop the run to trying to start the run. Additionally, Jake McKenzie has pretty much moved full time from quarterback to B-back, while Trey Chivers has moved from B-back to A-back.
The Owls averaged 293 rushing yards per game last year in its inaugural season during which it went 6-5. That rushing average decreased to 252.5 yards in Big South Conference play. While still good enough to lead the conference by more than 50 yards, it wasn't enough to satisfy Bohannon.
“It’s something we have to get better at,” Bohannon said. “Some of it is getting bigger, faster and stronger. Some of it is putting guys in right position.”
Alexander played on the offensive line at Sandy Creek High School, so he has experience. Bohannon remembers when evaluating him that he came out of the snap well and knocked people backward.
The Owls are deep on defensive line, so the move was available and Bohannon said he embraced the opportunity without being asked to move. He is working with the second string as he learns what to do.
“He has all the tools,” Bohannon said. “If he keeps working and growing he can help us with the inside run game. This isn’t a new thing for him, which is why I think he can help us the most.”
McKenzie, a redshirt sophomore, split time between quarterback and B-back last season. He had 85 carries for 357 yards and four touchdowns, while completing 27-of-54 passes for 408 yards and a touchdown.
The addition of transfer Daniel David from Appalachian State to compete with Chandler Burks and Jantzen Jeffrey allowed Bohannon to move McKenzie full-time to B-back to compete with Micah Reed, who had 68 carries for 309 yards in five games last season.
McKenzie was actually the team’s most productive B-back last season, illustrating the lack of production the team got at B-back, which is why Bohannon is making the changes. Moving McKenzie also allows Bohannon to give Burks and David a majority of the snaps to gain experience. White is wearing a no-contact jersey to protect the shoulder that sustained an injury last year that forced him to miss one game.
Kennesaw State supporters can see if these changes are having an impact at the spring game on March 26. Admission is free for the event, which will be held at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
“We’ve been running the ball a bit better inside,” Bohannon said. “We’re better this spring, don’t know what that is going to mean for the fall.”
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