The offensive line boasts four returning starters, and Charlie Dickey is at the helm. Carson Coffman calls him one of the best coaches on the team, and others have mentioned his name as one of the best O-line coaches in the country. The Collegian caught up with him to talk about the line's improvement and what he wants from his players.

Q: What are your thoughts on the offensive line of 2009?

A: I was pleased with how they improved, like everybody else. Disappointed in the way that we didn't finish the way we needed to finish. In the end, we would have liked to have finished better, and that was a big deal.

Q: What do you want in offensive linemen?

A: Guys that are going to be smart and understand concepts and understand the offense. We're really looking for guys that are going to be accountable, do the little things and appreciate ... how to get there. They've got to have that blinder mentality. They've got to be the hardest workers, and they've got to learn how to just relish the grind.

Q: How motivating is it to be blocking for someone like Daniel Thomas?

A: We plan on taking a lot of pride in blocking for him. He's got a chance to be maybe one of the best backs in the country next year, and I've told our guys that he will be as good as we allow and make him. We've got to do our part for him to have a successful year. He's a great back, but we can make him even a greater back if we do our job.

Q: What are the goals of this group?

A: We want to be physical, we want to be tough, we want to run the ball effectively, we want to play with discipline, technique, and we also want to be great pass blockers.

Q: How essential is the closeness of an offensive line?

A: I think it's something they've got to want to do. It's important for guys to care about one another and be a cohesive unit and hopefully they want to spend time together. They don't have to be best friends and all that, but if they are, then great. It's nice — you try to encourage those guys to hang out with each other.

Q: How much of an advantage is it to have four veterans on the offensive line?

A: I think it's very important. I think when you have four starters back, it really helps, gives them confidence. They know each other; they like being around each other. That experience is a big deal.