There was a nice little piece in the OC Register on a couple of our linemen last night. Most of the article looks at the key role Albert Cid has played in filling in spots along the line and often having to do it at a moments notice.
When right tackle Simon Goines went out agaisnt ASU with a knee injury, Cid moved in to the right guard spot and Baca slid over to Goines' tackle position. Those two anchored the right side on the game winning drive. Cid also filled in significant time in the Utah and Oregon State games this year.
"He's always ready for duty," Mora said of Cid, who started six UCLA games in 2011 after transferring from Citrus College. "He's had to come in cold, and he's doing a great job of being mentally into it, right away."
"Whatever my role is, I just want to be ready, and help," he said. "Once you get on the field, it's just playing. It's just about getting the chance to go out there and do something to contribute to us winning."
Cid is a junior this season, so the playing time this year will be key when he becomes the lone senior with any significant experience along the line next season. The O Line has been a big question mark for the Bruins for several years, due in large part to the inconsistency in personnel. Now with the line getting much deeper through recruiting, Cid has an opportunity to be a real leader for the newer players next season.
The article concludes with a quote from Coach Mora on senior Jeff Baca and his versatility.
Baca (Mission Viejo High), who has a team-high 39 starts, has played every position on the offensive line - which, Mora says, will serve him well at the next level.
"In the NFL, you can only dress seven offensive linemen for games," the 25-year NFL coach said. "That's where a guy like Jeff will be very valuable."
Last season's starter at right tackle, Mike Harris, is now holding down the starting left tackle position for the San Diego Chargers, and Baca looks poised to follow him to the NFL next season, so it is good to see the Bruins once again putting some offensive linemen back in The League.
Let's all say it together...Line wins games.