Mike Yurcich Talks Offensive Line, Wudtee and Mason Rudolph’s Film Habits

On Wednesday at a media availability day at Karsten Creek, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was asked about a variety of topics including his stable of quarterbacks and whether that offensive line of his was actually going to be better in 2016.

“We know we made improvements in the spring,” said Yurcich of his line. “We have to continue on that path. There’s no other way than just to practice and practice tough. And make sure that we’re in good plays. At the end of the day it’s about coming off the ball, striking, being in good body position and finishing.”

This is all very cliche, but it’s also very true. We’ve beaten that #narrative into the ground over the last eight months, but it really is probably what a 10-2 vs. 8-4 season could hinge on. It’s not that fun to talk about the big uglies up front despite their importance so let’s get on to some more interesting stuff … like, say, who in the world is going to back up Mason Rudolph?

“I can tell you from our meetings over the summer that (Keondre Wudtee) is an intelligent football player,” Yurcich told the Tulsa World. “We knew that when we were recruiting him. He’s got tremendous upside when it comes to athleticism. Time is going to tell on Keondre. We’re excited to have him, just like we’re excited about every guy we signed this year. Hopefully, we’ll feel good about them three years from now.”

That’s interesting. I don’t know which way to lean on that. Is he going to play?

“[Any run-only QB like J.W. Walsh would] have to be awfully good to take Rudolph off the field,” Yurcich told the World.

So we might as well talk about QB1 too.

“The foot seemed to be a non-factor, and he says he feels great,” added Yurcich. “He’s throwing the ball extremely well. The biggest thing with him is just the mental aspect. He’s constantly in the office, he’s always watching film. He works with Zac Robinson on some throwing techniques, so he’s always looking for that next step. He has never thought that he’s arrived. He’s always looking to get better. That’s a quality that all great quarterbacks have to have. He’s a film rat, and he’s getting better with his football knowledge, from defensive identification, to protections, to what’s a good run, to what different looks we receive from the defense.”

Never thought that he’s arrived. I like that. That’s what I want from QB1. September can’t get here soon enough.