Bulldogs offensive line: Sherrod shifts to the blind side
STARKVILLE – When it comes to changing positions, going from right tackle to left tackle isn’t exactly the easiest move.
And no one knows that any better than Derek Sherrod.
Back in the spring when All-SEC standout Michael Brown was dismissed from the team for his involvement in an on-campus gun incident, Mississippi State was suddenly left with a major void.
And it just made sense, according to the coaches, to move Sherrod to the left side, where the main objective is to the protect the quarterback’s blind side.
At first, Sherrod wasn’t so sure about making the transition. But he said he had to put his personal feelings aside to do what’s best for the team. And if that meant a major move, then so be it.
“It hasn’t been easy,” the 6-foot-5, 303-pound sophomore from Columbus said. “But my teammates and coaches have really been a big help.
“It’s just a matter of getting used to the terminology and learning my new responsibilities.”
Difficult assignment
His line coach, J.B. Grimes, knew it was a lot to ask of Sherrod. The timing, he said, could not have been worse.
But he also added he knew if anyone could handle such a move, it’s Sherrod.
djournal.com
8/21/08
