They’re talking tough

PULLMAN – Tough is a word bandied about with great regularity. Trucks, steaks, nails, politicians, all described as tough.

But if you really want tough, look no further than your favorite college or university’s offensive line.

It’s part of the code, part of the canon. Putting nicks, scrapes, sprains, pains behind and playing tough.

“It’s for each other, it’s for our coach. We’re our own little family inside another family,” said Washington State guard Dan Rowlands on Tuesday in way of explanation for the tough-minded approach. “I would do anything for any of these guys I’ve been with every day.”

The “family” suffered its first major blow two weeks ago when tackle Micah Hannam suffered a severe lower right leg injury in the first half at Oregon. At first it was believed Hannam had broken a bone and would be lost for the season.

But X-rays were negative. After a bye week spent in a boot, Hannam returned to the practice field Tuesday, assuming his spot anchoring the right side as the Cougars prepare for Saturday’s game with Pac-10-leading UCLA.

“There is no cowardice in any of us,” Rowlands said of the group’s attitude. “We don’t think we’re tough, we’re just doing our job. That’s how it’s always been. We don’t know anything different.”

Still, as Hannam’s quick return illustrates, offensive linemen play with hurts that would sideline most athletes.

“Because of our position – we play in a limited space – you can play with some joint problems and things a receiver couldn’t do,” said offensive line coach George Yarno, who played in the professional trenches for 13 years. “We don’t have to run full speed to do what we do. But, to answer your question, I think offensive lineman are the toughest group in any sport.”

It’s also the toughest group to join. Part of that revolves around the nature of the position. To play it well, there has to be a team built, with each player working in concert with his linemates.

“All five as one,” is how Rowlands put it.

When Hannam went down, the other four had to accept a new member. At first it was true freshman Andrew Roxas, then redshirt freshman Joe Eppele moved in. After halftime, Roxas returned, playing left guard and senior Bobby Byrd moved out to right tackle.

That will probably be the group Saturday if Hannam can’t go. Having Roxas playing will be fine with Rowlands.

“You have a guy who just came in here, didn’t talk much, just came in and worked as hard as he can (and) gets strong,” Rowlands said. “He plays with mental toughness, basically is the biggest thing.”

That mental toughness showed in Eugene. Despite being thrown in the fire of Autzen Stadium, Roxas, from Southern California, said he wasn’t scared.

“I was thinking to myself to play like I know how to play,” he said, denying he had any negative thoughts. “The only word I can think of is ‘ready.’ I’m ready. Coach Yarno prepares everyone to be ready at any time.”

That preparation took some time this season.

The line was one of the question marks coming into the season. Although it hasn’t become a dominating force (the Cougars are averaging just 108.6 yards a game rushing, ninth in the conference), it has become adequate, especially as a pass-protection unit. Other than the Oregon game, WSU quarterbacks have been sacked nine times and the Cougars lead the Pac-10 in passing yardage at 299.6 a game.

To get the job done, this group is doing things a little differently than past WSU units, according to head coach Bill Doba.

“Right now we are playing a couple of offensive linemen, including a true freshman kid, and we’re just not strong enough,” Doba said. “They are the best we have. … This is a young offensive line and in another year I think we’ll be able to run the ball even more.

“Right now we have to try to trap somebody or run a draw or something to help them.”

But if tough isn’t Yarno’s favorite word, adjustment just may be.

“That’s part of the game, adjustment,” he said. “You adjust between series, you adjust because of injury, you adjust because of what the defense is doing and what you’re doing. That’s just a constant.”

When asked how he deals with the aches and pains, Rowland paused.

“Cold tubs, Aleve,” he said. “You just don’t think about it.”

On game days, there is one more thing.

“Anybody who plays at this level gets a certain boost when you step on the grass,” Rowlands said. “I know I do. It just kind of gets blocked out.”