Paul Pinegar is a sophomore tackle who has played in three games this season as the backup at right tackle. Pinegar also received extensive playing time towards the end of last season due to a slew of injuries along the offensive line. We sat down with Pinegar for this week’s edition of Meet the Team.
Terrapin Trail: The offensive line began the season strong and Da’Rel Scott shot to the top of the ACC’s leading rushers, but in recent weeks the running game has struggled. What have you guys been doing to improve during the last two weeks of practice?
Paul Pinegar: We’ve been trying to encourage each other. We try to get on each other, but in a positive way. We’ll shout from the sideline or in the huddle, give each other a tap on the helmet and say, “pick it up man, we’re behind you.” We’re trying to keep our energy really high and positive.
TT: Do you think the lack of production from the o-line is due to the quality of opponents you’re playing, or do you think it’s a problem with you guys?
PP: Personally, what I think it might be is, we have this whole new offense this year, and teams early on in the season didn’t have a whole lot of tape on us. The more and more teams we play and the more tape they had, the more teams started to scheme against our plays.
TT: You played a lot last season and in a few games this year. What are you doing to try and get yourself on the field and what do you do on the sideline when you’re watching Dane to get yourself prepared incase you need to go in?
PP: We watch tape the whole week, and we study the guy across from us – his best pass rush moves, the way he plays a certain block – and so everytime Dane comes off the field I’ll ask, “How’s he playing?” “What’s he using when goes on a pass rush?” “That third-and-10, what did he give you? Did he spin or did he rip?”
TT: Coach said today that he put you guys back on the sled after a few weeks without it. Were you happy to see that thing again?
PP: The sled is kind of the red-headed step-child that’s over in the corner. During practice, every time you see it facing the field it’s like, “Oh, God.” You know, it helps with keeping your feet wide and being able to punch and roll your hips and lock out a block. It’s like a little competition because the sled with turn one way, so if the right side’s doing more than the left side, you can talk a little trash with the left side.
TT: Coach used to be an offensive lineman, but he said today his sled days are over, unless if he’s sitting on it. Does he ever hop on the sled, or does he spare you that?
PP: Coach Friedgen? It’s not really the kind of sled you can stand on. Sometimes coaches will stand on two-man sleds, but I don’t think Coach Friedgen would want to stand on it.