Top Five Offensive Linemen in Louisville Football History
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville football program has seen plenty of talented players don the Cardinals uniform over the years, ranging from multi-time All-Conference selections to All-Americans and a Heisman Trophy winner.
This offseason, Louisville Report is taking on the task of ranking the top five players in the history of the program at each position on the field. Next in this series, we take at look at the offensive line.
No. 5: Joe Jacoby
Years at UofL: 1978-80
Summary: Jacoby is one of the most underrated athletes to ever come out of the city of Louisville. The Western product was a prep All-American coming out of high school, and is one of just three offensive lineman to have their jersey honored by UofL. A three year letterman, the offensive tackle helped RB Nathan Poole rush for 1,394 yards in 1978, which was the single-season school record for over 30 years. He went on to have a successful NFL career with the Washington Redskins, helping them win three Super Bowls.
No. 4: Bruce Armstrong
Years at UofL: 1983-86
Summary: One of the greatest lineman in school history only spent two seasons. Armstrong was a tight end for his first two seasons as a Cardinal and was only moved to offensive tackle after Howard Schnellenberger took over. From there, he flourished. He didn't allow a sack in his final 18 games at Louisville, was their top lineman as a senior, and played his way into a 1986 Senior Bowl invitation. He was taken by the New England Patriots with their first round pick in 1987, where he spent his entire 14-year NFL career.
No. 3: Jamon Brown
Years at UofL: 2011-14
Summary: During an era of Louisville football that was chock full of elite talent, the home-grown Brown was one of the most under-appreciated of them all. Between the left and right tackle spots, the Louisville Fern Creek HS product started 40 games at Louisville, including all 39 in his final three years. He was named a First-Team All-AAC selection in 2013, a year where Louisville went 12-1 and averaged 460.8 yards and 35.2 points per game. As a senior in 2014, he took home Second-Team All-ACC honors, helping Louisville put up 394.7 yards and 31.2 points per game, and go 9-4 in their first year in the ACC. He spent six years in the NFL, mainly with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
No. 2: Eric Wood
Years at UofL: 2004-08
Summary: Wood is one of the most decorated linemen to ever suit up for the Cardinals. After redshirting his first year in 2004, he would go on to start the next 49 games at center at Louisville, performing at a high level in each one of those games. He was tabbed as a Freshman All-American in 2005, was a Second-Team All-Big East selection in 2006 when Louisville went 12-1 for their first 12-win season in school history, then was elevated to First-Team All-Big East in both 2007 and 2008. During his four years leading the offensive line, Louisville never allowed more than 3.5 sacks per game in a season. He spent nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Buffalo Bills, and is now their radio color commentator.
No. 1: Roman Oben
Years at UofL: 1992-95
Summary: Without a doubt, Oben is the best offensive lineman to ever play for Louisville. Not only did the left tackle start all 45 games during his collegiate career, he was a multi-time All-American in the process. His junior campaign in 1994 was undoubtedly his best, earning First-Team Gannett News All-American honors after not allowing a single sack. His senior season in 1995 wasn't bad either, being named a Second-Team All-American by both College Sports and Football News. A two-sport athlete also participating in the shot put, Oben went on to play 12 years in the NFL, including winning a Super Bowl in 2002 with Tampa Bay. He currently serves as the NFL's vice president of Football Development Strategy.
Other Louisville Position Top Fives:
- Quarterback
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
- Interior Defensive Line (coming soon)
- Defensive End (coming soon)
- Linebacker (coming soon)
- Cornerback (coming soon)
- Safety (coming soon)
(Photo of Eric Wood: Joe Robbins - Getty Images)
You can follow Louisville Report for future coverage by liking us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:
Facebook - @LouisvilleReport
Twitter - @UofLReport
Instagram - @louisville_report
You can also follow Deputy Editor Matthew McGavic at @Matt_McGavic on Twitter
