Ball State Returning Starters
Center - Jacob Richard - 5-Senior
Guard - Jalen Schlachter - 5-Senior
Guard - Jeremiah Harvey - 5-Senior
Tackle - Steve Bell - Junior (RS)
Tackle - Drake Miller - Junior (RS)
There's no lack of experience on the front line for the Ball State football team this season.
The Cardinals return all five starters on the offensive line that features three seniors and two juniors. The line will look to anchor an offense that gained momentum at the end of last season.
“I see our unit as something that other guys can look to," center Jacob Richard said. "And the offensive line in general is a great unit to be a part of.”
Richard, a fifth-year senior, has started 24 games the last two seasons.
He leads a unit that features guards Jalen Schlachter and Jeremiah Harvey as well as tackles Steve Bell and Drake Miller.
Head coach Pete Lembo said the line as a whole has been performing well, and it all starts with the man in the middle.
“[Richard] is really the key man in the pivot," Lembo said. "He's the guy that makes it all go.”
The depth chart also contains "rising sophomore" Vinnie Palazeti and fifth-year senior Nick Plavchak, who has started before. Lembo said they are pretty comfortable with what they have.
Redshirt sophomore Jack Milas said he also feels good about his protection while playing behind the experienced line.
“[Getting the offensive line back] helps, and the offensive line has been doing great,” Milas said.
Milas started six games as quarterback last season, leading the team to a 3-3 record during that time. He's looking to win the starting job again this year while building chemistry with the line.
A good offensive line can give the quarterback more time in the pocket and provide bigger holes for the running backs.
Richard sees the offensive line as leaders for the Cardinals. He said their relationship allows for success on the field.
“We're all good friends and like to joke around and mess around with each other, give each other a hard time," he said. "But at the same time we know what we need to do to get things done this season.”
Chemistry will be important as Ball State looks to improve on its 5-7 record from last year.
The Cardinals concluded their spring schedule with the annual Spring Game on April 18. The offense defeated the defense in the game, 56-37.
While the offensive line isn't the most luxurious position on the field, football is a game often won in the trenches. Richard and his fellow linemen will look to use their experience heading into the season.
“It's awesome," Richard said. "It's something I don't think I've had since I've been at Ball State. It's really something you don't want to take for granted.”
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