Welsh and center might not just be a spring thing

IOWA CITY — The center position is largely regarded as the most cerebral on the offensive line. There is some counting and the center does have to identify the middle linebacker and work with the quarterback to set protections, so some assembly is required.

Sophomore James Daniels was penciled in as Iowa's center in 2016. He had surgery in January, and spent Wednesday's practice with his right knee wrapped and in a brace. No Daniels for spring practice meant a change of plans.

So, Wednesday was junior Sean Welsh's fourth day at the center position. Yes, there definitely is nuance to the position.

'You need a good understanding of the big picture,' Welsh said. 'By no means do you have to be a rocket scientist, but you need a good understanding of the big picture and how the defense works.'

Welsh, a 6-3, 288-pounder, went into his postseason meeting with offensive line coach Brian Ferentz with an open mind. In 2015, Welsh started 12 games at left guard and two at right tackle. Ferentz told Welsh in his one-on-one a few weeks ago to 'start snapping the ball.'

It was the coaching staff's idea to move Welsh. So, now the question shifts from whether or not this is a stopgap until Daniels is healthy or if Welsh and center is a permanent thing?

'That's a question for coach,' he said. 'That's their call. I'm just here right now.'

Iowa offensive linemen often are interchangeable, with guards and tackles switching spots and sides of the line of scrimmage. That usually isn't the case with the center position. Iowa has had two centers in the last six years, with James Ferentz (2010-12) handing the baton to Austin Blythe (2013-15).

Cleary, Brian Ferentz is looking for a particular set of skills.

'Not having weight on my hand because you have to snap the ball, having to ID the defense,' Welsh said. 'There are a couple of things you have to do, but all-in-all, it's similar to the two other positions.'

'It's going to be an adjustment,' Welsh said. 'We're only four practices into it. It's coming along. Everyone is getting better. I'll get more comfortable when we keep practicing it.'

Welsh described the position as a 'ritual,' as in you need one to set the stage for the offense.

'You have to start with the ID, you figure out what the defense is doing,' Welsh said. 'Then, you call it. Then, you make sure everyone has an idea of where things are. Then, you have to figure out what you're doing. And then, you have to snap the ball. You have to have a ritual to it, I guess.'

Welsh said senior quarterback C.J. Beathard has been a helpful resource.

'It's his first time playing center since high school,' Beathard said. 'With Blythe, I didn't have to worry about a bad snap or anything like that, but Sean has been improving every day. I think we only had one ball down, one center-quarterback exchange down, which is an improvement from the first day. We know going into it, when you have a new center, that's going to happen. He's going to continue to improve.'

Yes, there have been some missed exchanges, Welsh said, but Beathard, as you would imagine, has been patient.

'He's been really coolheaded about it all, very accommodating with me,' Welsh said. 'I'm really appreciative of that.'

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