On the Offensive
July 15, 2008 09:32 AM | General
July 15, 2008
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Senior offensive tackle Stephen Maw is poised for a breakout season in 2008 after proving in his first career start that he can battle the big boys in the trenches.
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| Stephen Maw earned a surprise start against Oklahoma in last year's Fiesta Bowl.
William McBride photo |
The Central Square, N.Y., native played a key role in helping the Mountaineers defeat No. 4 Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. Just as WVU thrived once again as the underdog in a BCS Bowl matchup, Maw’s performance helped him emerge as a major candidate along with Selvish Capers to solidify the starting right tackle position for the season opener against Villanova on Aug. 30.
Against Oklahoma, Maw got to enjoy his breakthrough moment on one of college football’s biggest stages. Although feeling overwhelmed might have been a natural emotion, Maw received notice of the good news early enough to practice and prepare thoroughly before facing one of the nation’s toughest defenses.
“I knew a few weeks in,” said Maw. “Everybody who runs twos and threes is always ready to go in. But I was running with the ones. One week closer and another week closer and finally it was the day before the game. I tried not to think about it too much, and I didn’t even tell my parents until two nights before because I didn’t want them to call and ask, ‘How’s practice going?’”
In what figures to be one of the country’s most talented offensive lines, the greatest competition can be found at right tackle. Although Maw showcased his raw ability and power against a quality Big 12 foe, Capers proved last season that he could play up front after taking over the starting role against Mississippi State.
Although the competition is sure to be intense, Maw knows that the hard work both players put into practice will only make themselves and the O-line that much better.
“We each have our own specialties,” Maw explained. “Selvish is really athletic; I like to look at myself as more strong or powerful. He’s my buddy, though, and there are no harsh feelings with each other.”
It has been a long but fulfilling journey for Maw. After flourishing at Central Square High School in Upstate New York, he chose to start his college career at Erie Community College before coming to WVU as a walk-on. He received several tidbits from former offensive line coach Rick Trickett, who then left to become offensive line coach at Florida State.
“It was a rough time finding my way here,” admitted Maw. “I got a hold of Trickett after signing day and he said, ‘You’re going to have to walk on.’ He almost burnt my redshirt the first year. He said to just keep working hard and learn the system. He left and I had to do it all over with (Greg) Frey and that kind of stunk, but I was able to do it. Now Coach Johnson is here and I like him and he’s going to be just fine.”
First-year offensive line coach Dave Johnson inherits a talented group filled with experience, athleticism and size. As WVU garners national praise for its explosive running style and wide-open attack, Maw is not surprised that such a consistent unit has enjoyed all of its success despite the lack of blue-chip prospects or five-star recruits.
“I think that’s one of the reasons why we’re so good,” said Maw in a matter-of-fact tone. “We know we have to fight. We don’t have everything given to us and saying, ‘He’s going to be the next great thing.’ We’ve got to prove ourselves day-in and day-out. So we come to practice and come to work out. We’ve got to prove ourselves every day.”
The hard work is beginning to pay off as the players up front that have jelled so well over the years are starting to earn their long-awaited publicity. Several preseason publications are praising the development of WVU’s skilled offensive line, with Athlon’s Magazine naming the unit as the country’s best.
Even though offensive lines are highly responsible for games won and lost, Maw understands that the lack of coverage is part of the job requirement to compete at the sport’s least glamorous position. But the enormous attention given to this season’s offensive line gives the group confidence that they can continue to perform at such a high level.
“It feels good,” admitted Maw. “We really don’t get much publicity but everyone knows that it starts up front. It makes us feel good knowing that it starts where we are. We’ve got seniors leading us. It takes the pressure off Pat (White) because he knows we have such a senior-led offensive line.”
The Mountaineers once again enter the season with high expectations, having five returning starters up front and a world of depth behind them as arguably the team’s greatest strength.
But for Maw, each day will be a battle to join a starting group that is eager to glorify a highly-touted Heisman candidate as well as one of the most elusive tailbacks in the country. The senior can always reflect on a fantastic first start while using it as a springboard for the upcoming year.
“What’s a better start than the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma?” asked Maw. “Now I’m just waiting for this season.”
