Hokies Offensive Line Begins to Take Shape, Adds Depth with Additions of Nijman and Calc Knowledge

A significant move was made following Saturday's scrimmage that involved the Virginia Tech football team's most intriguing freshman. Yosuah Nijman, after weeks of being called raw and being described as light years away from where he needs to be at defensive end, has made the move to left offensive tackle, a position where Stacy Searels intends to keep him for the remainder of his time with the Hokies.

"You like to have your most athletic, most talented player to block the blind side," said the offensive line coach. "That's what we want to train (Nijman) to do. That's what we want him to do one day."

The simultaneous position switch of wide-receiver-turned-running back-turned-receiver Joel Caleb was similar in that it was one of necessity, not due to a lack of efficiency at the previous position per se.

Prior to Nijman's move, the Hokies had two left tackles listed on the depth chart: Jonathan McLaughlin and former tight end Darius Redman.

Nijman shores up a thin spot and offers another big option behind McLaughlin, a junior. The move was one that Searels had previously considered.

"We knew he was a big talented kid that we wanted on our team," Searels said. "He came in as a defensive lineman (at Fork Union) and we wanted to make sure he got an opportunity to get a chance at that here."

Moving back to a position he's familiar with from high school, Nijman has tolerated the switch — even if he's not jumping off the walls about it.

Searels attempted to solidify the decision in the freshman's mind by referencing the successful switch from tight end to tackle by current Houston Texan and former Hokie, Duane Brown.

"(Searels) talked to me about that," Nijman said. "It didn't really make me more content but it made me more open-minded."

Searels was probably hoping for a more emphatic response from his youngster, given the reward that awaited Brown for his efforts.

"Duane Brown was a tight end and now he's an offensive tackle for the Houston Texans and he's making $54 million. That would sell for me," Searels said. "A lot of those guys that have played nine or ten years in the league were tight ends or defensive linemen and have moved over.

"I've had several guys in the past that I've coached that were recruited as defensive linemen or tight ends. It's always better to have guys that can move their feet and be athletic and I think he can do that."

While it may not have been Nijman's first choice, Searels admires the team-first attitude.

"He's a team player," Searels said. "I think he understands that it's how he can get on the field quickest and how he can help this team the best."

Nijman assessed his performance from his first day at the new post.

"I think I did pretty well today," he said. "I went over the plays with Coach Searels. I understood more of it today. It's not too hard to get the plays down. It's just my zone steps and gap controls. I have to work on that."

In a similar boat to Nijman is Darius Redman.

The self-proclaimed "Calculator" — because you can count on him — the tight end-turned tackle, with a couple more weeks under his belt, has made strides at his new position.

"Redman's doing a good job," Searels said. "The kid's got a great attitude. He competes and plays hard. He has good feet. We meet in the morning and afternoon. He wants to learn and be natural. We have to get where we trust him. He's starting to gain our trust."

Searels noted that Redman has been working at both left and right tackle.

"I'm comfortable now at both tackle spots," Redman said. "A lot of the older linemen, I can talk to them at any time. Any time of the day McLaughlin is willing to meet with me."

The redshirt senior has made a name for himself through his viral distribution of "calc knowledge."

"(Calc knowledge) is my way of thinking of things and my perception of life," Redman said. "I just try to give calc knowledge to people so they can understand me."

The calc's most recent display of calc knowledge is a 15-second video encouraging followers to work with what they have.

Week 20. "work with what you got" All you need is an inch to build off of to go as far as you want. #Calcknowledge pic.twitter.com/rQ6sWB3L6G— Darius Redman (@TheCalc_33) April 6, 2015

"I give calc knowledge on twitter every Sunday at 9 P.M.," Redman said. "People look forward to it."

Nijman and Redman are two newcomers to a makeshift offensive line that's still seeking an identity and filling out depth, but it's one that's Searels is encouraged about.

"I was excited about the first group. I thought they did a good job" Searels said of Saturday's scrimmage. "They played well as a unit. We need to be more consistent and eliminate the pre-snap penalties. That was an issue last year."

Searels also referred to the continued good showing of center Eric Gallo, as well as the emergence of Tyrell Smith.

"Tyrell smith has really competed," Searels said. "Seven days of practice and I really like how he's competing. He's not ready to start yet but he will be a good player."

Pass protection issues that played a part in allowing 34 sacks last season, Searels insists, is the biggest focal point this spring.

"We have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback," he said. "But I was pleased with their work ethic and the way they competed."