Maybe it was the best option all along.
After a natural tackle (Matt Thompson) had an unsuccessful crack at center, and after a defensive tackle (Todd Haselhorst) had an uncomfortable tryout, Kansas University’s coaching staff found the answer to the vacancy was right next door.
David Ochoa, who started at right guard all of last year, was the most experienced option at snapping the football. Add to it his team-captain status, and it just makes sense that he will be the starting center Saturday, when KU takes on Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium.
“David Ochoa is doing a really good job,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “A smart guy, and he’s going to get you in the right calls and everything.”
Ochoa will take the role filled the last two seasons by Joe Vaughn, the decorated junior-college transfer who ran out of eligibility after last season. Thompson and Haselhorst, as well as a red-shirt freshman or two, were unable to impress coaches enough to land the spot.
That’s when Ochoa’s number was called. And now, the junior from Houston is stepping into a role that wasn’t talked about much the last two seasons because Vaughn was so reliable.
“Joe was not only a physically gifted player, he was also really smart,” Ochoa said. “The biggest thing for us is to not have a dropoff in that aspect of the game. I look forward to that challenge. I don’t necessarily see it as pressure, just more of a challenge.”
While Vaughn played almost every snap in his two years at Kansas, he was sidelined for roughly one quarter against Iowa State last year with a hand injury. Ochoa was the backup, and slid over from guard without much of a problem.
“I enjoy playing center, because it’s kind of the quarterback of the offensive line,” Ochoa said. “You can kind of dictate what calls are made and whatnot.”
Once Ochoa settled in, it seemed the whole line started to jell. Thompson and Cesar Rodriguez will stay at the tackle positions, and Bob Whitaker is expected to assume left-guard duties. Juco transfer Jake Cox is penciled in at right guard, with Travis Dambach expected to get plenty of playing time behind Cox and Whitaker.
It was Cox’s performance that made Ochoa’s move easier on the coaching staff. After taking time during the spring to get adjusted to KU’s system, Cox emerged in August as a legitimate starter at the Division One level.
“Jake Cox has been doing very well for his first year with us,” Mangino said.
With that luxury, Ochoa made the move after Haselhorst admitted to coaches that he wasn’t comfortable at center. Though familiar with the role, Ochoa wasn’t an expert at the position, but new offensive line coach John Reagan was right there to help.
“He was a center at Syracuse, and a pretty good one,” Ochoa said. “It’s nice to have that guy who’s been in that position and knows all the tricks of the trade and knows what they’re keying on.”
Ultimately, though, Ochoa knows that his success won’t hinge completely on himself. Like any unit, a complete effort by everyone will make everyone better, and at center, Ochoa says he’ll be more effective if his neighbors at the guard spots can be counted on.
“You have to trust the guys on your right and your left to follow the calls you make,” Ochoa said. “I feel comfortable and confident that those guys will make those plays.”
