Three Falcons Earn MAC Preseason Honor

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 1:44 pm

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The MAC Report Online's annual preseason teams have been announced this morning (Tuesday, June 19) and senior Kory Lichtensteiger along with juniors Erique Dozier and Corey Partridge have been named to the All-MAC squads. Lichtensteiger was named to the first team, while Dozier and Partridge earned second-team honors.

This is the second straight season that Lichtensteiger has earned the preseason honor. The senior center has started 35 straight games, while helping lead the Falcons to several top offensive categories. Last season he helped the Falcons to a MAC-best 176.7 yards rushing per game, while in 2005 he helped lead the conference's second highest scoring offense at 33.8 points per game.

Dozier earns this honor for the first time in his career. Last season he was second on the team with 98 tackles, but is the Falcons' top returning tackler this year. His top game came last season versus Buffalo when he picked up 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, as well as one sack.

Partridge, like Dozier, is earning this honor for the first time in his career. He led the team in catches (55), yards (658) and receiving touchdowns (3). His top performance came last season versus Toledo when he had 14 catches (a school record) for 161 yards.

footballguy51 · Post by **footballguy51** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 4:06 pm

A lot of people speak highly of Lichtensteiger, but I'm curious...is he better than Mruczkowski was?

MarkL · Post by **MarkL** » Tue Jun 19, 2007 7:27 pm

At the center position, I think Scott was a bit better than Kory, but Kory has proven he can play all positions on the O-line. I think that makes him a more attractive prospect for the pros.

reyray82 · Post by **reyray82** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:02 pm

Scott is a great guy and is still with the chargers. I would love to see either of the two in silver and black next year

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:49 am

footballguy51 wrote:A lot of people speak highly of Lichtensteiger, but I'm curious...is he better than Mruczkowski was?

That's a difficult choice. Ogre was one hell of a center...so is Kory. Lichtensteiger has a great chance to play on Sundays.

GO FALCONS

footballguy51 · Post by **footballguy51** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 8:27 am

I'm glad I asked this. This is a good discussion topic...a lot better than the usual "AT sucks, I hate the uniforms" topics.

To me, I feel Scott was better, but my opinion may be biased to the fact that the team was better when Scott led the line. However, I remember watching Scott rule the interior of that offensive line, and the only way Harris or Jacobs had any troubles was when the pressure came from the outside. Also, both Scott and Kory have played other positions than Center. In fact, right now Scott is listed as a Guard with the Chargers and has seen some pretty decent playing time with them.

hammb · Post by **hammb** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:00 am

MarkL wrote:At the center position, I think Scott was a bit better than Kory, but Kory has proven he can play all positions on the O-line. I think that makes him a more attractive prospect for the pros.

I think this might be the right answer.

I'm not real good at grading linemen though. I rarely focus on that part of the game, and I don't understand all the nuances of the techniques, etc. So it's not really fair for me to say which is the better player.

I do think the fact that Kory has played multiple line positions at an All MAC level will make him look that much more attractive to an NFL team.

footballguy51 · Post by **footballguy51** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:22 am

In high school, I played a wide range of football positions. Just on the offensive side of the ball, I played Center, Guard, Tackle, and Tight End, so I understand the differences in techniques involving all of the positions. The difference between center and guard is negligible. Center needs to understand both snapping for long snap and under-center, and is considered the captain of the line. You make all blocking calls and adjustments, as well as describe the defensive scheme to not only the rest of the line but also the Quarterback.

To guard needs to respond to all adjustments and must somewhat better agility than the center. The guard must be able to make that quick first step down the line to make all pulling blocks and must be able to quickly peel off of a team block to pick-up the free linebacker.

The tackle must be the most agile because of their positioning at the very end of the line. You are the last line of defense for your Quarterback, so if you get beat your QB will get beat-on. The tackle, on pass plays, must be able to quickly make that first step back while keeping themselves centered above their feet. In run blocking, that tackle must be able to reach all the way out to that defensive end to hook them and turn them inside on stretch plays.

At all positions, there are a few constants. In pass blocking, you must have a strong, central base. If you put too much pressure back, you're on your butt. Too much pressure forward, and the defense will pull you onto your face. You must have that first good punch with your hands that stuns that defensive player and slows their momentum. On run blocking, getting position is the key to winning the battle. Lock-in and drive, and put yourself between your runner and the defensive player.

Based on all of this, I felt Scott was stronger physically than Kory. Also, I think his footwork and technique seemed more crisp. However, Kory is going into his final year of college, so this should be his best year to shine. After this season, my opinion might be completely changed.

moneymaker02 · Post by **moneymaker02** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:56 pm

i also thought scott was better but the scouts have kory listed as getting drafted way higher. Scouts have kory being drafted on the first day.

Flipper · Post by **Flipper** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:34 pm

I don't know if being a part of a system that is viewed as being "passive" like the spread has hurt either of their chances with the NFL...but I suppose it could. The primary disqualification in the NFL is a lack of quickness at any position, but teams seem to love interior lineman that are "maulers". Our sytem doesn't give the centers and gaurds a chance to do the kind of smashmouth straight ahead blocking that earns that title.

footballguy51 · Post by **footballguy51** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:38 pm

Didn't they initially have Scott going on the first day as well?