Spring Football: Panther's Dynamic Offense Starts Up Front

By Zach Ratchford
Athletic Communications Student Assistant

It is often said in football that if you control the line of scrimmage, you control the game. A brief exposure to the Panthers veteran offensive line, and you will see that this rings true.

The Panthers have become an offensive line factory in the conference sending many players to the NFL over the years, including Jack Rummels, Doug Korber, Mike Timmermans, Chad Rinehart, Brandon Keith, and Brad Meester. This list also includes Austin Howard, Howard is a current member of the Oakland Raiders, who feature one of the best offensive lines in the league.

This history of excellence has set a precedent that all Panther lineman strive to live up to every season. This year's returning group is ready to continue the great tradition that is being a part of this offensive line.

An experienced group including Chris Schleuger, Cal Twait, Bryce Sweeney, Trevor Hanson and Robert Rathje are the driving force behind this team. Bringing back this bevy of battle-hardened big men speaks to the consistency on the field that allows the team to flourish.

"Continuity is very important. It allows us to communicate effectively and have a firm grasp on the different defensive schemes we see in this conference," Rathje said.

In 2015, the Panthers reached new heights as an offense, finishing No. 15 overall in the nation in rushing yards. They also shattered the school record for rushing yards in a season by more than 400 yards.

Their mauling mentality up front helped post two 1,000 yard rushers in program history for the first time in senior quarterback Aaron Bailey and senior running back Tyvis Smith. None of this would have been possible without the front line clearing defenders out at a relentless pace.

"It's just a mindset. We all knew on the offensive line that the run game was going to be our bread and butter," Rathje said. "We embraced it and stressed cohesion and made those holes for Tyvis and Aaron."

Even though these Panthers linemen are some of the most important players on the team in the grand scheme of success, they often don't receive the same recognition as the players scoring touchdowns. As the unsung heroes who make everything tick, they don't mind seeing others excel through their work.

"Our favorite moment is seeing whoever has the ball running behind us," Rathje said. "As an offensive lineman you may not get all the glory, but you love to see others excel around you."

While some people may occasionally forget about the crucial work these men do, there is one man who never lets them feel under appreciated. Offensive line coach Ben Barkema, in his second season with the Panthers, is always there for his dynamic group on and off the field. Barkema, a Muscatine native, has spent time with Upper Iowa, Iowa State and Missouri State helping players hone their craft.

"Coach Barkema is a player's coach who understands what we're going through, and that helps us get through certain things because we have someone to talk to," Rathje said.

With this star-studded front returning so many veteran players, expectations are high for the unit and for the team. Solely put, there is one driving force for the team this season.

"Our expectation is to win a national championship," Rathje said. "We need to focus on what we're doing now and how we can continue to improve to be the best."

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Spring Football: Panther's Dynamic Offense Starts Up Front

Players Mentioned

Aaron Bailey

Trevor Hanson

Robert Rathje

Tyvis Smith

Bryce Sweeney

Cal Twait

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