Wittenberg's Metzger a big key to success

Metzger, in charge of protecting QB’s blind side, hopes to help Witt clinch share of NCAC.

Wittenberg/File photo Wittenberg offensive lineman RyanMetzger

Wittenberg football notes: Wolfe works way into starting role

By David Jablonski, Staff Writer Updated 8:30 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Few people outside football paid much attention to the position of left tackle until Michael Lewis published “Blind Side: Evolution of a Game,” in 2006.

Suddenly, that big guy far to the left of the quarterback is starting to get his due from a publicity standpoint. On Nov. 20, the movie version of that book, which centered on the rags-to-riches tale of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Michael Oher, hits movie theaters.

At Wittenberg University, drama of a different sort arrives Saturday, Nov. 7, and the starting left tackle, senior Ryan Metzger, will play a starring role, whether you notice him or not.

The No. 12 Tigers (8-0, 5-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) can clinch a share of the league title and a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs by beating Allegheny at Edwards-Maurer Field.

“It’s for everything,” said Metzger, a graduate of Westfall High School in Williamsport, Ohio. “It’s for the ring. It’s for the season, the playoffs. We’re all really excited. We know we just have to come out focused and be ready to get after them.”

Metzger’s professor gave him a copy of “Blind Side” a year ago. He already knew the importance of his position. Because most quarterbacks throw right-handed, they throw with their backs facing to the left. That leaves them vulnerable to the pass rush from the left.

That’s why a team’s best pass blocker usually plays left tackle.

“You’re the only guy protecting the blind spot,” Metzger said. “You’ve got to be on every play.”

Metzger hasn’t missed many plays this season. He, right guard Nick Hudepohl and left guard Jeremy Block are the Tigers’ three offensive linemen to start every game.

Wittenberg coach Joe Fincham said Metzger has really stepped up since the line lost right tackle Alex Burwell to a season-ending injury.

“He’s really matured a lot this year,” Fincham said. “He’s had an interesting four years. He came here as a defensive player. We moved him to offense his sophomore year. He tore his (pectoral muscle) and missed the year. Then last year, he got himself into a starting role, got hurt and had some neck problems and missed some games.

“Even though he’s a senior starter, experience-wise, he hasn’t gotten as many games as some other guys. The light has really come on for him the last month. He’s playing like a senior now. He’s playing with confidence.”

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