Ahead of its Week 5 game against Wake Forest, and coming off a bye, Jimbo Fisher is shaking up his offensive line a bit.
Fisher announced after practice Thursday that Ryan Hoefeld will likely get the start at center for the road trip to the Demon Deacons. Hoefeld, who will replace redshirt freshman Corey Martinez, has not played at all this season after missing an extended portion of spring practice following surgery to repair a meniscus issue in his knee.
Fisher seemed to be more impress with Hoefeld, who is finally healthy enough to take the field, as he improved the mental aspect of the game as much as the physical.
“It’s amazing listening to him after one year,” the coach said. “Last year he was like the other guys. This year, he’s directing. It’s amazing when you settle in. That position, when the light comes on it makes a difference because it’s such a cerebral position.”
Hoefeld started four straight games (Syracuse, Notre Dame, Louisville, Virginia) in a stretch from mid-October to early November last season before being Cam Erving, a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, moved from left tackle and replaced Hoefeld at center.
Additionally, Derrick Kelly will get the start at right tackle. Kelly replaced previous starter Brock Rubie during the Sept. 18 win over Boston College.