SAN ANTONIO- One word can define the University of the Incarnate Word offensive line entering the fall 2021 season: experience. The Cardinals return three all conference players from the spring season, and offensive line coach Jordan Shoemaker said he believes the o-line features the most depth since his arrival in 2018.

"We have focused on improving fundamentally this fall camp, which will allow us to play faster up front with great technique," Shoemaker said. "I believe this group of guys we have up front are extremely hungry for success with a team first mindset."

Up front the Cardinals are led by two-time team captain Dawson Kier. The six-foot three, 285-pound veteran started all six games on the o-line in the spring. Shoemaker described the tackle as a very valuable team member on the offensive line, bringing leadership and experience to the group.

Sophomore Nash Jones earned a spot on the all-conference third team after his freshman campaign. The six-foot three 300-pound tackle has solidified himself as the blindside protector for quarterback Cameron Ward. Jones was also voted to the all-conference preseason second team.

"Nash Jones is very competitive within himself, which allows him to continually grow as an offensive lineman up front," Shoemaker said.

On the left side with Jones, six-foot six senior Caleb Johnson received second team all-conference honors after the spring season, and with Jones he was named to the all-conference preseason second team.

"Caleb Johnson is our big man on the line. He is steadily chopping wood to grow in the areas that he is weakest in," Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker acknowledged Johnson's raw strength and size helps the rest of the o-line.
At center, junior Reid Francis must direct the rest of the line within UIW's high octane, fast paced offense. Francis finished the spring on the all-conference third team. He earned second-team preseason all-conference recognition for the fall season.

Shoemaker commended Francis's ability to set up the rest of the line for success during the pressure of the game.

"Reid Francis has a very high football IQ which allows everyone up front to play with confidence on assignments in our up-tempo offense," Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said he believes depth is the biggest strength of the o-line this fall.

"There are multiple players that can step out there during a game and we won't miss a beat," Shoemaker said.

Junior Stanley Mark, a transfer from Blinn Junior College, earned a starting spot on the o-line this fall.

"He [Mark] brings a special energy to the group and plays with a high passion for the game," Shoemaker said.

Graduate student Uzoma Okere saw playing time in the spring, and Shoemaker noted the experience he will bring off the bench.

Shoemaker also highlighted two newcomers: graduate transfer Cesar Moreno and freshman Jimeto Obigbo. Moreno, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, had a strong fall camp according to Shoemaker. He added that Obigbo has progressed at a rapid rate in the fall and will add value this season. In addition to the depth, Shoemaker mentioned discipline as a key trait of the group.

"These guys are coached extremely hard and have set a very high standard for their performance," Shoemaker said. "They understand that and compete to raise that standard every day."

Shoemaker's daily message to his group: compete with yourself. He said he believes what makes a great offensive lineman is selflessness and focus.

"These guys work extremely hard and get tested every single day on and off the field," Shoemaker said. "They must sacrifice everything in order to get their job done play after play."

Shoemaker hopes his message will lead the Cardinals to success in the trenches this fall.
 
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