Players who suffer a season-ending injury often fall off the map and aren’t heard from until their return.
Josh Dworaczyk, on the other hand, may have become more prominent.
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The senior offensive guard suffered a knee injury during fall camp, ending his 2011 campaign and possibly collegiate career.
But instead of sulking in the shadows of the Tigers’ success, Dworaczyk traded his helmet for a headset and took the role of player-coach to help guide the offensive line.
“You see guys that get hurt and then you don’t see them again and they don’t have any contributions as far as what goes on on Saturdays,” he said. “For me, I’ve been able to contribute to this team and just being one of the leaders I know it means a lot to all the guys to have me out there.”
Dworaczyk started all 13 games at left guard for the second straight year last season, seeing action in 823 plays and ranking third on the team in knockdowns with 62.
In his new role this season, Dworaczyk can be found on the sidelines in full coaching gear each game, barking words of wisdom, commands and encouragement.
“It’s been bittersweet at times … but having my small little role of being that student-coach basically for the offensive line has meant the world to me,” Dworaczyk said. “I’m on the headsets and anything that goes on like game-time changes or anything like that, I’m the guy that has to communicate it to the offensive line. Really and truly, [I] just keep everybody’s spirits up.”
Luckily for LSU, the offensive line hasn’t missed a beat without Dworaczyk.
Senior offensive guard Will Blackwell has filled in nine games this season at Dworaczyk’s old spot and leads the team with 779 snaps played.
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Blackwell’s performance earned him First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American honors, part of which he credits to Dworaczyk’s
“For us being able to have [Dworaczyk] down there and help us out with some looks and what’s going on on the field is way better than him sitting in the stands,” Blackwell said. “Josh has done a great job and I think he’s going to be a big time coach somewhere one day. He’s one of my best friends and we’ve always played well together and we get along well.”
Despite his recent coaching success, Dworaczyk’s playing days may not be over.
The fifth-year senior said he plans on applying for a medical redshirt that would grant him a sixth year of eligibility.
“I have to wait until after this game to apply, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping everything works out,” Dworaczyk said. “It looks good right now and I have a lot of confidence about it and whatever happens, happens, and I’m OK with that. I’ve learned to roll with the punches.”
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Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]