OG Josh Boylan: ‘Strongest start that I have ever had here at the academy’
Wearing the shells today ... which was the first day of helmets, shoulder pads and shorts, the Army Black Knights completed their 3rd practice of the spring session.
GoBlackKnights.com had an opportunity to speak to one of the key members of the offense following yesterday’s practice and that is senior Josh Boylan, who was both enthusiastic and optimistic relative to the start of final football campaign at Army West Point.
“Practice has been great, the guys have come out strong and the senior leadership has been good all throughout and the young guys are really dedicated to the process .... so, I think it’s the strongest start that I have ever had here at the academy,” declared Boylan,” who is part of a returning veteran O-line.
So, how solid are Army’s pieces to their offensive line? Well, comparatively speaking, Josh Boylan spent a significant part of the season backing up former Rivals 3-star center Bryce Holland.
But the 6-foot-2, 280 pound Boylan is an important part of the big guys up front ... that same crew who lead the way for a Black Knights’ offense that finished 2nd in the entire nation in rushing.
It was obvious to the coaching staff that the product of Tyler, Texas was over qualified just to remain as a back-up at center, as such he began to see reps last year at the guard position. Actually, he started the last two games of the 2016 season at guard and lead the team in knockdowns against Navy with 20.
How does Boylan feel about the move and how he adjusted his game?
“It’s [guard] a position that requires much more mobility, you have more freedom of space to work with, so you have to conscientious of linebackers scrapping over the top, while center is more of a power position and working through the nose guard,” he explained. “So, I enjoy it and enjoy being able to move again and get up to the 2nd and 3rd level.”
Another welcome adjustment for the offense guard is the return of veteran offensive line coach Todd Spencer.
“He [Spencer] was here when I was a sophomore and my memories of him are him being that spark-plug that we needed on the offensive line,” Boylan shared with GBK. “Everyday he comes out there with a fanatical effort-- fanatical energy and it really gets the guys motivated. And coming back this year as head of the offensive line and again it’s energy and great effort every single day.”
“I really think that he is that spark plug that we needed. He gets the guys motivated, but not just .... well, I mean I think we have the discipline to go through practice, but he get us excited for practice and I think that’s the difference.”
Even with the season group returning, Boylan readily admitted that as a unit overall, they must be about today’s business and practice and play up to their expectations.
“I think it’s just to prepare and perform the way that we know we can,” stated the offensive guard. “That goes throughout the offensive line, slots, B-backs, quarterbacks ... everybody has their own expectations and I think our No. 1 thing is just to be the toughest team the nation and to go out there and compete and get the maximum effort out of ourselves.”
THE UP-FRONT CREW
One thing is certain, the offensive line crew is a tight-knit group of guys, and that was on display last year and the coaching staff and fans hope it will manifest itself this year as well.
“We are brothers on and off the field,” stated Boylan. “Brett Toth, Mike Houghton, Bryce Holland, Rick Kurz .... all of us truly couldn’t be any closer. They are just great guys on and off the field and competitors. We sharpen each other ... whenever somebody is not picking up the slack, we make to get on to him and bet him back to where he needs to be and I think that is a great attribute for us.”
Beyond the aforementioned vets up front, Boylan warned that there are several up and coming talented gridiron warriors to keep an eye on and one particular player he said is truly a difference maker.
“I could pretty much name all of them, but I think one guy that really impresses me everyday is Jaxson Deaton,” proclaimed Boylan. “It’s just his work effort, just a big-big dude and when he hits people he hits them with a purpose and move them out of the way.”
CAMP NOTABLES: As we mentioned in our previous spring article, senior OLB Alex Aukerman is out for the spring and his sted, at least presently is Bayle Wolf.
On the offensive side, converted QB Malik McGue continues to impress from the slotback position. He is fast and has been impressive as a receiver as well.
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