Each of the past three seasons, the Kansas football team has lost its starting quarterback at some point during the season to injury. Last season, the Jayhawks went through three different starting quarterbacks.

Justin O'Neal

The Jayhawk offensive line, in blue jerseys, squares off against the defensive line in practice last Wednesday. The O-line will meet real competition in their first game against Florida Atlantic on September 3rd at Memorial Stadium.

This season, members of the offensive line are making it their objective to keep whoever the starting quarterback is healthy for the whole season.

“We have a lot of guys at the quarterback position that can really play well,” Travis Dambach, junior offensive guard, said. “We are going to do everything we can to make sure nothing happens to any of them.”

Keeping the quarterback healthy should be a bit easier than year’s past, as the offensive line is one of the most experienced units on the team.

David Ochoa, junior center, will anchor the line this year after being named one of the team captains. Ochoa will make the move from offensive guard, where he started all 11 games last year.

Ochoa will try to fill the void left by Joe Vaughn, who graduated last year. Vaughn was a two year starter for the Jayhawks, and will be the only player to replace on the line this year.

Head coach Mark Mangino is confident in the offensive line, but knows Vaughn will be missed.

“I think the offensive line will be a strength,” Mangino said. “We did lose a very good center, and once we get that position solidified, we should be in good shape.”

Sophomore Todd Haselhorst was expected to be the team’s starting center, but was moved to second team guard early in preseason practice.

Junior Bob Whitaker will be the starter at one of the guard positions after starting all 11 games at the left guard position last season. Right now, the other guard figures to be junior college transfer Jake Cox.

Mangino said he has been pleased with Cox during practice, and expects him to be a factor this season.

“He’s going to win a job at one of the guard spots,” Mangino said. “There is no question in my mind.”

Senior Matt Thompson will anchor the tackle position this year after starting all 11 games at left tackle last season. Thompson was named first team Academic All-Big 12 last year, and looks to be a leader on the line this year.

The other tackle position figures to be filled by sophomore Cesar Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a solid freshman campaign, playing in 10 games and starting six at the right tackle spot.

Rodriguez impressed coaches enough to be selected as the offensive player of the game against Iowa State, last year, making him the only lineman to be chosen all season.

Dambach, Haselhorst, freshman Anthony Collins, freshman Ryan Cantrell and freshman Scott Haverkamp will provide depth at the offensive line and could all potentially see action.