For Wickline, Flying Under the Radar is a Good Thing

Last season, one of the most impressive performances came from then backup offensive tackle Kelby Wickline, in a 42-41 victory over Texas.

Wickline was forced into action after starting left tackle Yodny Cajuste was ejected from the game early in the first quarter. Not only did Wickline hold his own, but you could say he played the best that day out of the big guys upfront. "That game last year was a fun experience. We had a good time, but we've moved onto the game this year and what we can do to win this year's game," Wickline said. "We've had a good series in the past, had a bunch of close games and it's gone back and forth a little bit. It's fun to compete with teams like Texas and the Big 12, it creates a lot of fun," he added.

Offensive line coach Matt Moore thinks that Wickline really benefited from the game vs Texas and his start in the bowl game vs Syracuse. "He's got some history there. His dad coached there and he was down there for a little while. I don't know how much that had to do with it. I think it was one of those things where he was thrown in the game and I don't think he thought about it much, he just went out there and played. I think he grew a lot from that and it's really helped him this year," Moore said.

Last year, Wickline came into play left tackle, but his year has kicked over to the right side and although he hasn't been a dominating lineman, he's been extremely consistent. Coach Moore said that you don't really say his name much and as an offensive lineman that's what you want. Consistency is something that Coach Moore preaches and wants his guys to focus on. Racking up pancakes and being a dominating lineman is nice, but just doing your job and not missing assignments will help the offense be productive.

This Texas defense is extremely big and long and especially upfront on the defensive line - which averages out to be 330 lbs per player. This will not be an easy task for Wickline and the young/inexperienced offensive line, but he believes that they will be up for the challenge. "I feel like we're really coming together and we're starting to play hard with effort and when you play hard with effort things really start to come together."

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