Offensive lineman Kyle Koehne may not be a household name for Florida fans. But the sophomore is a well-known commodity among his brothers in the trenches.
Koehne, who was moved from tackle to left guard recently, has emerged as the likely starter when Florida opens the season next Saturday against FAU.
Since the move, teammates and coaches have raved about Koehne’s work in practice, and while that may come as a surprise to some, it’s nowhere near a shock to Koehne’s roommates: center Jonotthan Harrison and right guard Jon Halapio.
“He’s had a few plays where he’s killing guys,” Halapio said. “He just really knows what he’s doing on the field and you can clearly see that on the film.”
Although Koehne rose from relative obscurity to the top of the depth chart in a matter of weeks, he said the adjustment has not been a big issue for him.
After rotating with the reserves on the right side at guard and tackle last season, Koehne said he’s comfortable at any spot along the line, adding valuable depth at every position should someone go down with an injury.
Also helping his learning curve is the relationship Koehne shares with Halapio and Harrison.
After lining up next to each other snap after snap on the practice field, the three head to the same house, the same couch, and continue to talk football.
“Ever since we first came here we’ve been kinda like a trio,” Koehne said. “We’re with each other 24/7, talking to each other 24/7.”
Halapio, who started seven games at right guard last season but admitted he wasn’t as mentally prepared as he should have been, has been instrumental in preparing Koehne for a starting role.
Whether it’s help learning a specific play or getting his footwork down, Halapio is always there.
The relationship the three share has helped create unity at what coach Will Muschamp calls one of the most important positions on the field.
“There are two units on your football team that have to be tied together, and that’s in the offensive line and the secondary,” Muschamp said. “The communication, being on the same page with the run and the pass game, and having that jell is very important.”
To that end, having three self-described best friends anchoring the center of the line bodes well for the unit’s cohesiveness.
In addition to the added chemistry, Halapio said he’s motivated by the line’s lackluster performance a season ago.
While there is still work to be done — Halapio said they are still experiencing the occasional “brain fart” — the addition of Koehne to the mix has improved the line’s expectations.
But for Koehne, he’s just happy to have a chance at starting alongside his friends, his roommates, despite being somewhat lost in the shuffle his first three seasons on campus.
“Just keep my eyes down the good path,” he said. ”I knew if I kept working hard I’d get a shot.”
Contact Matt Watts at mwatts@alligator.org.
