Meet Gators OL Kyle Koehne, whose stock has risen in fall camp
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
Redshirt sophomore Kyle Koehne was such a force in high school that he was named Indiana Player of the Year by the Indianapolis Star as a senior in 2008.
Koehne didn't earn accolades because of flashy stats. Instead, as an offensive lineman, Koehne opened doors for his teammates at Indianapolis Cathedral High to run into the spotlight.
Since joining the Gators, Koehne has served primarily as a blocker on UF's field-goal unit. He entered fall camp as a reserve on the depth chart but Koehne is now in position for a starting job if he can close out camp strong.
Koehne is currently ahead of Ian Silberman to start at left guard, a promotion the 6-foot-5, 302-pound Koehne has worked hard to make happen.
“As time went on, I think coaches start noticing my grades were getting better and better,'' Koehne said Wednesday of daily film sessions to review practice. “It was a great feeling [to move up the depth chart]. That's the first time I've heard that. It made my family proud.''
Koehne has taken practice reps on both sides of the offensive line, but he said offensive line coach Frank Verducci moved him to left guard about midway through camp.
Koehne felt better about his chance to play regularly when he noticed Verducci started to compliment him in film sessions.
“That was a good hint,'' he said.
Koehne and center Jon Harrison and right guard Jon Halapio not only form the Gators' interior line, they are also roommates.
That has helped Koehne feel right at home at left guard next to his two roomies.
“We are all great friends. Ever since we first came here we've been kind of like a trio,'' Koehne said. “We've got some chemistry between us.''
And then there is Verducci, the veteran coach with NFL and college experience. By listening to Koehne talk, Verducci has as much to do with his recent rise as anyone, teaching him new hand techniques, more powerful ways to finish blocks and other assorted tricks of the trade.
“He's added more to my toolbox than I could ever ask for and we're still learning,'' Koehne said. “I knew if I kept working hard I would get a shot.''
