VMI Fall Camp Report: Offensive Line

LEXINGTON, Va. – Throughout fall camp, VMI Athletics will do a Q&A session with the offensive and defensive position groups in addition to special teams.

The first report is on the offensive line, the unheralded true skill position players on the team.

First-year Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Joe Ray gives his thoughts on Fall Camp so far followed by an assessment from upperclassmen Bryce Burnett, Tristan Woodley, Chase Aslett and Robbie Dunn.

How would you assess how Fall Camp is going so far?
Coach Ray: So far, so good. I think we're carrying a lot of the momentum over from spring and summer going into fall camp. Spring was an introduction to the type of offense that we run and to show how we practice. Being able to understand that standard and have that carry over into fall camp is a great thing.

How is blocking for an option offense different than other offensive systems?
Coach Ray: It's the way you practice. This offense takes a lot more, especially up front. It's a lot more bend, it's a lot more pad levels, a lot more flat backs and foot drive. It's a standard of practicing a lot harder. It's a faster pace as we're always chasing the ball down the field. It takes a unique offensive lineman to play in this offense not only from their physical qualities but also their mindset.

Is the offensive line getting more comfortable with the blocking schemes and play calls?
Coach Ray: Absolutely. The spring was an introduction to it and understanding the big picture. Now it's about understanding the details of the offense, what the B-Back is doing, what our slots are doing, why your block is so important and why your splits are so important. There's been a lot of progression from that standpoint and having that "Ah-hah" moment of understanding why their job is so important.

What does it mean to have experienced players like Burnett, Woodley, Aslett and Dunn to help the younger guys?
Coach Ray: It's been awesome. They've been able to explain how we practiced in the spring and throughout the summer. It's important for them to be a role model for the young guys because we have a large freshman class coming in. It's important for them to be mentors on the football side but to also give some advice on Matriculation and the lay of the land. Not only do we have a unique offense but also a unique lifestyle as well at VMI. They're prepping them for what life is like at VMI and how things happen around here. We were eating dinner at Crozet last week and I was listening to the older guys explain to the rats what to expect and answered any questions they had. It was cool to see and shows what VMI Football is all about.

We had a team meeting last week and Coach Thompson opened up the floor for the older guys to answer questions that the rats had. They got a lot of great advice from that standpoint and it was cool to see that happen.

Where does the O-Line need to progress the most before the season opener?
Coach Ray: It's all about defining the minute details of everything. It's about understanding the process of learning. There's only so many ways to learn stuff. I make them show up to our classroom with notebooks and pens and tell them to write things down. If I'm talking to one person in the room, everyone needs to be listening and understanding what's going on. This is a very detailed offense. We have to understand the splits, the hand placement, the hat placement, and getting all of that sharpened up. We're getting to a point of understanding what we need to do, but now we need to sharpen it and get things more crisp. We're getting to a place where we can get a surge on the football.

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From the Players' Perspective:

How is camp going so far in general?

Woodley: Good. It feels new and feels fresh, I really like the new dynamic we have going on.
Burnett: Camp has been solid so far. It has been very intense, and the coaches are pushing us to be better each and every day. As players, we are progressing but still need to continue to work even harder to get to where we need to be before the first game.
Aslett: Camp is going great, the energy is high amongst the team and everyone is bought in.
Dunn: Camp is going great! There is a change in pace with the new offense which took a few practices to get used to but now we are moving fast and feeling good about it

How has it been learning to play for an option offense? Are you getting more comfortable with the schemes and play calls?

Woodley: I definitely am more confident this fall camp compared to spring ball when first introduced to it. It's been a journey that has really just united the O-line even more knowing how much we truly work together in this scheme.
Burnett: It has been a very big adjustment learning to play in an option offense compared to the traditional offense we ran the previous few years. I feel a lot more comfortable with the plays, schemes, and techniques of the option, especially since spring ball.
Aslett: It was definitely a change for everyone. There have definitely been some bumps along the way, but we put together a good spring ball and took that momentum into fall camp. We are not where we want to be yet, but day by day we are getting there. The offensive line is starting to click as a unit.
Dunn: Learning the new option offense definitely threw some curveballs at first, but now that we have had a few practices and many meetings I am very confident it will benefit us.

How has camp been different this season learning a new offense compared to your prior 2-3 seasons?

Woodley: It has been a learning curve almost like freshman year, but I'm more confident having two seasons of playing under my belt. A big thing is the unity with our starters. Almost all of our starters have played the past few years together so it makes it easier for us to learn together and understand.
Burnett: Camp has been different because there is a bigger requirement for taking time to learn the new plays and intricacies that come with each. Since this scheme is still relatively new to us, it takes an extra effort to make sure you are 100 percent comfortable with the plays.
Aslett: Camp this year is much more fast paced than years prior, but that comes with this type of offense. Coach Ingram preaches toughness and that is exactly what this camp is making us.
Dunn: Camp this year has been much more fast-paced which forces us to really lock in and learn the plays in a game-like scenario.

Do you enjoy playing for Coach Ray?

Woodley: Yes, I do, he's a great leader and coach!
Burnett: I have had a great time playing for Coach Ray. He brings great energy and holds us to a high standard which helps us progress each week. He was also a three-time All-American in this offense, so he definitely knows what he is talking about.
Aslett: As a unit we love playing for Coach Ray; he brings an energy that is contagious, making us work harder. He has years of experience in this offense - there couldn't be anyone better to coach it to us.
Dunn: I really enjoy playing for Coach Ray. He brings a high sense of urgency and a great energy to our practices which pushes us as an offensive line!

As veterans on the line, how are you helping the rats and younger guys learn the offense and adjusting to life at VMI?

Woodley: Really just helping and getting on them about technique and stances a lot, also seeing the defense and knowing what to expect. As to the VMI life, I just try my best to be honest with all questions they have and tell them my experience, while also telling them what will make life better here versus worse.
Burnett: As a veteran, I am trying to be the best example I can be for the rats and younger guys in the offensive line room. It is hard to set an example and lead others when you aren't doing the right thing yourself. If any of them have questions about plays or the techniques that go with them, I try my best to explain them to the freshmen and give them tips that can help them on the field.
Aslett: All of the older guys take pride in teaching the younger guys - they are the future of the program. They have questions and we answer with honesty. We want to leave the program better than when we got here.
Dunn: The biggest thing we have done is to be available to the younger players and let them ask questions. We also try our best to lead by example to show them the best way to make it to senior year.

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Players Mentioned

#50 Chase Aslett: OL; 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior

#52 Bryce Burnett: OL; 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior

#53 Robbie Dunn: OL; 6' 3"; Redshirt Junior

#74 Tristan Woodley: OL; 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#50 Chase Aslett
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior
: OL

#52 Bryce Burnett
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior
: OL

#53 Robbie Dunn
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Junior
: OL

#74 Tristan Woodley
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Junior
: OL

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Players Mentioned