The Northwest Rangers' offensive line is young and inexperienced, but they continue to learn quickly under offensive line coach Jim Jones.

"They're making a lot of progress," Jones related. "I have a young group, but with that being said I have more size and talent. I have bigger guys now. I think I have four or five true Division I guys that continue to progress. I like the way the group is coming on. They're great competitors."

Trent Scott, a sophomore offensive guard from Southaven (Miss.) High School is the lone returner from a year ago. Scott is a good run blocker that continues to work on his passing schemes. He understands how to hold blocks for an extended period of time. He keeps his feet churning during pass protection as well.

Unlike a majority of Northwest offensive linemen, Scott is experienced and comfortable on the college level. 

The offensive line has been the toughest position to grade so far. With so many new faces, it's hard to predict how talented they really are. The true answer won't surface until August 28 against 10th-ranked Jones County. They have, however, continued to grow, compete and challenge themselves.

Most importantly, they continue to learn at a quick pace. Because of their ability to learn and adapt quickly, the Northwest offensive line receives a grade of B- heading into the 2014 football season.

"Sometimes it doesn't look crisp during practice because these guys are just removed out of high school," Jones explained.  "A lot of them haven't played their first college game. It always takes a little time in preseason to get the guys going. They have to have a plan in their stance every play."

While Scott is the only returning player for the Rangers, the offensive line has another sophomore in Daivon Milan. Milan, an Olive Branch (Miss.) native and University of Memphis transfer, will bring a little more experience to the offensive line.

When healthy, Milan is quick off the ball. Plus, he's very athletic. Though Milan is dealing with a nagging injury at this time, he said he'll be ready by game time.

"I'm real excited," Milan said. "I don't like the feeling of being out because I feel I'm not helping my team. We're ready to shock everyone and show them we're not the same team we were last year."

Surprisingly enough, Milan hasn't always played center. In fact, he'd never played the position until he arrived at Northwest. He believes he's adjusted to the position nicely, however.

"It's becoming second nature now," Milan said of the center position. "Being on the offensive line you have to be quick and nimble on your feet. It's hard to stop a defensive lineman running full speed at you. You have to have good feet, hips and balance."

But with Milan sidelined, Joshua Johnson of Jackson (Miss.) has taken over the role of center. Johnson continues to learn the ropes, but has shown to be a valuable player in Milan's absence.

At this time, Chris Phillips of Olive Branch (Miss.) High School is anchoring down the left tackle position. Considered by some as the most important offensive line position, Phillips has done a nice job in pass protection thus far. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, he brings great length and size to the position as well.

Rated a 2-star prospect by Rivals.com, Phillips has quick feet and understands how to slide his hips around the edge. As he faces athletic, speedy defensive ends, he should only mature mentally and physically as he protects the quarterback's blindside.

Terrance Malone, a former South Panola star, continues to be a force at the right tackle position. Malone is a very strong, tough run blocker. He understands how to keep his body low. He drives his feet after contact and shows a bulldozer-type mentality at times.

Malone said he feels he's improved his pass blocking as well. He admits blocking defensive linemen is a little tougher on the college level. Now that he's not the biggest player on the football field, he said he's relied on the techniques Jones has taught him to improve his overall game.

"I've gotten better under coach Jones," Malone said. "I've learned a lot of techniques. He's changed the game around and shown me so much on the college football level. It seems like we're getting it pretty quick. We are getting better each day."

Overall, depth is a very important issue on the offensive line.

When it comes to key backups, Northwest will rely heavily on Anderson Gund of Louisville (Miss.), Greenwood (Miss.) native Jermaine Jones, Timothy McCray of Indianola (Miss.) and Andrew Herrington of Olive Branch.

With the Rangers hoping to run an up-tempo offense, every Northwest offensive lineman could play a vital role in this year's success. They'll bring energy off the bench and fresh legs to wear the opposing team's defensive line down. The Rangers will need those guys to be ready if they plan on "shocking" a lot of spectators this fall.

According to Jones, he's excited in the growth in just under a month of work with the offensive line.

Jones, who is in his fourth year as a coach for the Rangers, feels this year's unit is as good as any he's coached at Northwest. Jones started coaching at Northwest in 2010 before taking a one year absence in 2013 to coach at Pearl River Community College.

"It's the most talented group I've had," Jones nodded. "That's clear. I'm extremely optimistic about this group. Right now it's time for them to take the next step."

Jones understands what it means to be a superior offensive lineman. Jones played college football at Notre Dame before spending six years in the NFL. During his tenure in professional football, he played for the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jones was recruited by well-known head coach Lou Holtz before playing under Bob Davie. Because of his connection with Holtz, Jones said he shares a motto Holtz used at one time.

"Lou Holtz used the say 'if you're constantly chasing perfection, then you'll never catch it. But along the way you'll reach excellence.' That's what the offensive line is all about," Jones repeated.

As for now, Jones continues to teach his group the small, fundamental objectives of the offensive line. While he admits they're not completely ready just yet, he sees a bright future for the 2014 football season.

"It's an adjustment for them. Offensive line to me, it's about body physics. Every drill I do with them, we're trying to strike a defender as hard as we can without compromising a balance or a path," he concluded.
 
Northwest head coach Jack Wright updates the offensive line…
Coach Wright explains the youth movement of the offensive line:
They're very young. We have some big, talented guys up there, but you see the same mistakes every day. I know Coach (Jim) Jones is down there coaching those guys as hard as he can. When you see the same mistakes over and over, it shows their youth.

Coach Wright explains how the offensive line position is one of the last units to develop during fall camp. While the Rangers have fallen under the norm, he feels there have been vast improvements upfront:

Usually your blocking and pass protection is the last thing that comes around in fall camp. Fortunately we have a few more days to get ready for Jones Community College.  They've (Ranger offensive line) gotten much better and that's pretty typical. 

The offensive line can be one of the most technical positions in football. Coach Wright discusses the importance of good technique. Plus, Coach Wright shares a humorous statement by offensive line coach Jim Jones:
The longer we stay in camp and continue to hammer the same techniques over and over again, it can only get better.  We're sticking with the plan. Coach (Jim) Jones made a funny statement the other day. He said 'I sound obnoxious to myself because I say the same things over and over and over again.' I've been an offensive line coach before and you have to be very patient.