Stevens’ move to center should only be temporary

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, August 11, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Oregon Ducks
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It’s commonplace for college football coaches to play musical chairs with players to find the right fit.

But when coaches move a highly rated recruit from the position that he made his name at to begin with, it's obviously a big risk. That was the case with Oregon freshman center Hamani Stevens, the nation’s No. 2 prep center in 2008, as he was shifted to defensive tackle last week.

Thanks to the likes of center Max Unger and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou, among others, Oregon's O-line certainly won't be hurting this year without Stevens. However, 2009 will bring a brand-new line with Stevens probably in the mix, perhaps as a starter.

But Stevens' presence on the O-line next year might not be guaranteed. After all, he'll need reps at center this season in order to gain experience; right now, though, that doesn't seem likely.

Furthermore, center is arguably the most important position on the line because it involves more technicalities than the others. It’s a position you must exercise much caution with before making changes.

Whether Stevens will move back to offense next year remains to be seen, but he wouldn't mind staying where he is.

“I love it,” the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder after following his first practice. “O-line was fun, but D-line is where I should be. I fit there perfect.”

Head coach Mike Bellotti, meanwhile, isn't so sure.

“It may be a short-term solution this year,” Bellotti stated. “Hamani is on loan at this point.”

As Bellotti indicated, this is a wait-and-see scenario. But in the long run, Stevens really needs to be at center. Why? Because if you’re contending for championships, you must have the best personnel possible along the offensive line.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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