Chalk Talk: Interview with OSU O-lineman Pat Elflein

Andrew Todd-Smith
Thu, 30 Apr 2015 02:01:37 +0000
Lantern TV, blocking, defensive lineman, Ed Warinner, featured, holding, Marcus Hall, Michael Bennett, michigan state, offensive lineman, salmoning, Sugar Bowl, three-point stance

Maddie Spielman and Andrew Todd-Smith welcome Ohio State starting offensive lineman and two-year letter winner Pat Elflein to the studio for an interview in the season finale of the show.

He discusses the story arc of his career thus far in the Scarlet and Gray, progressing from reserve guard getting piecemeal playing time in 2013 to veteran interior anchor of the offensive line that helped win the Buckeyes a national title.

A conversation about the loss of key personnel like Michael Bennett to the NFL ensues, in the context of Elflein’s unit finding itself squaring off against less experienced players in practice. Elflein identifies some defenders who made a name for themselves during the spring. He also describes how the O-line has had to evolve with the promotion of coach Ed Warinner to co-offensive coordinator.

An examination of the notorious “salmoning” phenomenon that he brought to the team follows and the show concludes with a demonstration of three-point stance in the studio and some tips for effective blocking that he employs.