Coach David Elson said Wednesday that it all starts up front.

“Any good, smart running back will tell you that you can’t (run the ball well) without his offensive line,” Elson said.

Western’s run game averaged four yards a carry on 428 carries a season ago.

Senior left guard Cody Hughes also feels that the offensive line is a major part of the team.

“Running backs make plays without an offensive line the (running) back won’t be able to get anywhere and have no success,” he said.

But with two starters, Hughes and sophomore Wes Jeffries, from last year’s offensive line out for spring practice with injuries, other linemen have had to emerge.

Elson said that redshirt freshmen Adam Smith, Luke Stansfield and Seth White have all stepped up and have played really well at the linemen positions in spring practice.

Hughes said the team is trying to adjust through its injuries.

“With the offensive line being young and there being a new offense it’s hard to adjust fast,” Hughes said. “Especially with me and Wes (Jeffries) out. It’s hard to gel well with two players out.”

Walter Wells is the new offensive coordinator, but he still holds his responsibilities as offensive line coach. He is changing the offensive around a little bit, implementing more plays with the quarterback lined up underneath the center.

“When you get under center you get a chance to come off the ball more and put your hand in the dirt, put some weight on it, and get under the chins (of the defense),” Wells said.

Both Wells and Hughes said Western will also be running more plays with two tight ends next year.

“It expands the edge and gives you a little more running lanes and gives us a more balanced attack,” Wells said.

Also noted by both Hughes and Wells was that one of the keys for spring is to mature and get closer.

“All five guys need to play as one because if one guy messes up then the defense can stop the offense for no gain or a loss,” Wells said.

Western will have a young offensive line this year, but Elson still has high hopes for them.

“I think we have developed some good depth – it’s going to be a young group but it could be a strong force,” Elson said.

So far Wells is pleased with the offense as far as picking up schemes and blocks but still found some holes.

“I am displeased with the penalties we’ve had with the snap count,” Wells said.

Western will resume practice Friday with its second scrimmage at 12:45 p.m. Saturday.