Senior offensive lineman Josh Dworaczyk is no ordinary upperclassman. He is a mentor for the fresh blood and the veterans of the squad alike.
After redshirting as a true freshman, Dworaczyk started in 26 games at left guard during the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.
When 2011 arrived, his dreams of a senior season with the Purple and Gold were suddenly shot down.
Dworaczyk suffered a season-ending knee injury during the team’s fall camp, leaving him to wonder if he’d ever play football in Tiger Stadium again.
But the setback didn’t stop him from helping his teammates on game day. Instead of being on the field and plowing holes for running backs, Dworaczyk could be found on the sidelines, becoming a player-coach and helping run the offense.
“When I was doing other things or even coaching up a guy, Josh had the other side,” said LSU Offensive Coordinator Greg Studrawa. “The guys really had confidence in him and through the week in practice, if I was busy, they could ask him questions.”
Dworaczyk sat on the sidelines watching his squad mates experience the peaks and valleys of the 2011 season.
Dworaczyk didn’t want to end his tenure as a player-coach. He requested sixth-year eligibility, and the NCAA granted him that wish in February.
“I was excited,” Dworaczyk said. “I came up [to the indoor practice facility] and told Coach Miles, and we all just kind of relished the fact that I got another year and another opportunity to be with this great team.”
LSU tested Dworaczyk’s knee this offseason, and he doesn’t seem worried about the injury this year.
But Dworaczyk’s starting spot is currently occupied. Sophomore La’el Collins had his sights set on becoming the new starting left guard for the Tigers this spring.
Although some could say the battle for the position was a competition on the field, both Collins and Dworaczyk denied that was the case.
Collins said he views the situation as a chance to work alongside a veteran of the game.
“Everything that I have done this summer, I’ve learned from Josh,” Collins said. “Every play that I need help on, I’m always constantly asking Josh. He’s right there, and he works me through it all step-by-step.”
This learning mentality seems to be contagious throughout the 2012 Tigers squad. The 22-year-old veteran doesn’t mind spreading his wisdom with the young players.
“It seems like I was a freshman just yesterday, and I had the older guys helping me out,” Dworaczyk said. “And now I’m in that position, and I have that experience and that knowledge that I got from helping coach last year.
So being able to talk to the younger guys, and to even talk to some of our stars and help them out, is wonderful.”
Despite his many setbacks, Dworaczyk has continued to influence the football program at LSU. He uses his veteran leadership to push the younger talent on the offensive line.
Dworaczyk’s last remaining year in Tiger Stadium should be one to watch.
“Josh bounced back from his injury, worked hard in his rehab, got into the film room and had a great summer,” said senior right tackle Alex Hurst.
“But with Josh’s determination … I think you’ll see a very special fall from him, too.”
