Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Palmer, O-line relishing chance to improve this spring
4/14/2021 6:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — There's been plenty to work on this spring for Middle Tennessee center Jordan Palmer and his fellow offensive linemen.
The Blue Raiders are implementing a new offense with the arrival of coordinator Brent Dearmon, and with it has come a little rise in tempo. That's meant the line has had to whip itself into shape quickly.
"We made a big emphasis this offseason to get bigger … and with that, you get added weight. So, the first couple of weeks was difficult getting them lined up for the next play," offensive line coach Rick Mallory said. "The last week, week and a half, things have picked up. It doesn't look like as much of a struggle now."
This spring has been critical for Mallory and fellow offensive line coach Mike Polly to slow things down and really get at the fundamentals of blocking.
They have quite a few newcomers this season along the line, and they've placed an emphasis on getting bigger while also playing faster.
"The competition has been really fierce," Mallory said. "Guys are having to earn their positions … and that competition will continue on through the fall. Then, we'll find out who's our best guys before the first game."
Palmer isn't one of the newcomers, having transferred to MT from College of the Canyons (CA) last offseason. However, he had some injury setbacks last season, so getting back to practice completely healthy this spring has been a blessing.
He was one of the top junior college center recruits in the country last year and entered into the Blue Raiders' starting lineup almost as soon as he stepped on campus. His season was a little rocky, though.
In the second play of the season at Army in the opener, he suffered his first setback, a leg injury that would cost him the next two games. Then, he missed the last game of the year against Troy before MT's campaign was cut short due to COVID-19.
Palmer had high expectations for the season and looked solid in his six starts, so going down just two plays in then not being able to finish the year were a couple of punches to the gut.
"That second play was honestly the worst play of my life," he said. "It was my debut playing Division I football. … At the end of the day, I knew I had to get over it and come out better than I was before."
The Blue Raiders lost a few linemen from last year, most notably right guard Robert Jones, a two-time Honorable Mention All-Conference USA performer who's getting NFL Draft consideration.
Plenty of new bodies are ready to step in and compete for spots, though, making the competition this spring fun for Palmer and his teammates. They're getting more and more comfortable in the offensive system, too.
"We have guys coming in from different places, and they've all fit in well," Palmer said. "We've bought in and have been grinding hard. It's been good."
As the spring practice period winds down, there's still plenty to work on for MT's offensive line, but they're hoping for a good chance to catch their breath.
"It takes a couple of weeks to get used to that tempo," Dearmon said. "Those guys up front have done a great job this spring."
The Blue Raiders are implementing a new offense with the arrival of coordinator Brent Dearmon, and with it has come a little rise in tempo. That's meant the line has had to whip itself into shape quickly.
"We made a big emphasis this offseason to get bigger … and with that, you get added weight. So, the first couple of weeks was difficult getting them lined up for the next play," offensive line coach Rick Mallory said. "The last week, week and a half, things have picked up. It doesn't look like as much of a struggle now."
This spring has been critical for Mallory and fellow offensive line coach Mike Polly to slow things down and really get at the fundamentals of blocking.
They have quite a few newcomers this season along the line, and they've placed an emphasis on getting bigger while also playing faster.
"The competition has been really fierce," Mallory said. "Guys are having to earn their positions … and that competition will continue on through the fall. Then, we'll find out who's our best guys before the first game."
Palmer isn't one of the newcomers, having transferred to MT from College of the Canyons (CA) last offseason. However, he had some injury setbacks last season, so getting back to practice completely healthy this spring has been a blessing.
He was one of the top junior college center recruits in the country last year and entered into the Blue Raiders' starting lineup almost as soon as he stepped on campus. His season was a little rocky, though.
In the second play of the season at Army in the opener, he suffered his first setback, a leg injury that would cost him the next two games. Then, he missed the last game of the year against Troy before MT's campaign was cut short due to COVID-19.
Palmer had high expectations for the season and looked solid in his six starts, so going down just two plays in then not being able to finish the year were a couple of punches to the gut.
"That second play was honestly the worst play of my life," he said. "It was my debut playing Division I football. … At the end of the day, I knew I had to get over it and come out better than I was before."
The Blue Raiders lost a few linemen from last year, most notably right guard Robert Jones, a two-time Honorable Mention All-Conference USA performer who's getting NFL Draft consideration.
Plenty of new bodies are ready to step in and compete for spots, though, making the competition this spring fun for Palmer and his teammates. They're getting more and more comfortable in the offensive system, too.
"We have guys coming in from different places, and they've all fit in well," Palmer said. "We've bought in and have been grinding hard. It's been good."
As the spring practice period winds down, there's still plenty to work on for MT's offensive line, but they're hoping for a good chance to catch their breath.
"It takes a couple of weeks to get used to that tempo," Dearmon said. "Those guys up front have done a great job this spring."
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