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Rice University Athletics
Developing Chemistry
11/13/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 13, 2009
By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER
Sometimes blatant signs of development are needed to boost the spirits, and last week at SMU the Owls' defensive line delivered a performance that could be categorized as something far above gradual improvement.
Junior ends Scott Solomon and Cheta Ozougwu had shined on numerous occasions, so their combined 13 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles against the Mustangs fell in line with previously exceptional efforts. However, the stellar play of the Owls' interior linemen, where sophomores Michael Smith, John Gioffre and Brian Stacey along with freshman Alex Lowry rotate, seemed to signify an abrupt turning of the corner for the defensive unit that will return intact for the 2010 season.
The Owls planned to build around senior tackle Chance Talbert, an All-Conference USA honorable mention selection as a junior, but ankle and back injuries have rendered Talbert ineffective and, now, unavailable. Subsequently, the Owls were forced to lean heavily on Lowry, who hails from tiny Caddo Mills, Gioffre, a role player as a freshman last year, and Smith, who underwent offseason microfracture surgery on his left knee.
Progress had been steady until the visit to SMU. Suddenly it was sudden.
"Alex came in here and he's from a little school, a little town, and we're trying to tell him that this is a lot of hard work but it really does pay off," said Gioffre, who has been slowed by knee problems yet has nearly doubled his freshman season output of six tackles. "Coach (David Bailiff) has been saying, `Guys, this is going to pay off for us,' and I really believe him. I just want to make sure that everyone is on the same page."
Consistency has helped develop the chemistry that was on display in Dallas. Solomon, Ozougwu, Smith and Lowry have started five consecutive games as a unit, and aside from Talbert, the defensive line has remained relatively healthy. Junior end Kramer Lucio has been slowed by a calf problem and Stacey missed time with a MCL sprain, but by and large this group has stuck together and grown without impediment. Smith and Lowry combined for five tackles against the Mustangs, and kept SMU quarterback Kyle Padron contained well enough for Solomon and Ozougwu to wreak havoc on the perimeter.
That Smith has contributed without suffering a setback from such a serious surgical procedure has been fortuitous. Former defensive tackle Cameron Thompson underwent microfracture surgery following a breakout freshman campaign in 2007, but after several stalled comeback attempts, he was forced to end his promising career. Smith, whose build is similar to that of Thompson, was concerned that his career would be cut short due to injury, but Rice strength and conditioning coach Jared Kaaiohelo shared with Smith his experiences following the same procedure, and meticulously oversaw his rehab.
"From watching Cameron and his having the same type of surgery, I expected a lot of the same complications, obstacles and difficulties," Smith said. "But (Kaaiohelo) let me know certain things and gave me insight into someone who has had the surgery and continued to play sports and had success with the injury, and it helped me a lot as far as rehab and him doing strengthening exercises with me over the summer.
"I was concerned, especially in early summer because I had just started running and was in more pain that I could have imagined. Being two months away from the season and you can barely jog, it was a very scary experience. But having a coach that's been through it helped me a lot."
While Smith (15 tackles, two sacks) overcame his physical hurdle, Lowry worked to make the adjustment from lower-classification football to Football Bowl Subdivision competition. His brute strength - Lowry was a state champion weightlifter at Caddo Mills High - proved to be one significant aid, but Lowry also showcased a thirst for learning.
The more the coaching staff dumped on Lowry's plate, the faster he digested what was required. He moved into the starting lineup at Oklahoma State on Sept. 19 and is entrenched there, and with 13 tackles, one quarterback hurry and half a sack, Lowry is doing more than occupying space. His maturity is a greater asset than his power.
"(Defensive line) coach (Darin Eliot) did a good job of teaching me everything. I picked up on a lot of stuff, and I feel like that got me in the game quicker," Lowry said. "I was able to learn all the stuff.
"Strength helped a lot. It all kind of played together for me."
The Owls' defensive front has three games left, starting with Saturday's homecoming showdown with Tulane, to continue developing that chemistry before heading into a critical offseason for the program. With most everyone set to return a year older and wiser next season, how the Owls continue to build their bond might indicate what lies ahead.
"It brings us all together as a group because we've got to count on each other," Gioffre said. "You've got to hold your gap (and) I've got to do my stunts right.
"If I'm not having a good day I expect Mike to pick me up, and vise versa. We thrive off each other in that sense."
