Center Maka lone constant in offensive line shuffling

As UTSA cycled through five starting offensive line combinations in six games, center Ahofitu Maka was the lone constant.

Nine Roadrunners have cracked the starting unit, with other players rotating in from the bench due to injury or fatigue.

UTSA entered Saturday's matchup against Army with tackle Spencer Burford and guard Demetris Allen unavailable, then lost guard Brandon Rolfe and tackle Josh Oatis to in-game injuries. For the first time in their UTSA careers, guard Terrell Haynes and tackle Ernesto Almaraz were elevated into significant roles on offense.

Despite the constant shuffling, Traylor said the unit was “incredible,” with only a few breakdowns through the day. Much of the credit goes to Maka, who has taken charge of identifying defensive fronts and communicating blocking assignments to the less-experienced players in the unit.

“Coming into the season, we already knew that everybody was going to have to be ready, because of COVID,” Maka said. “So, everybody has been preparing like they will have a chance, and luckily, it's gone the way it has, where people who have stepped up have really made an impact.”

Maka said working with a new group creates a communication challenge early in the week of practice, but he added that the line usually jells by kickoff. When a new player enters during a game, Maka said his strategy is to “overcommunicate” every play call and assignment.

At times, Traylor said the need for Maka to be vocal with the rest of the line has led to a slower offensive tempo. But because crowd sizes are reduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Maka has the luxury of making the calls without fear of his voice being drowned out, Traylor said.

“He's held that group together,” Traylor said. “He can direct the whole line between plays, so he's been unbelievable. Basically, a coach on the field for us.”

Maka, a junior, started all 12 games at center for UTSA last year after transferring from Independence Community College in Kansas. Traylor described him as smart and mature — the “one constant that's been keeping everybody going the entire year.”

Quarterback Frank Harris said he “can't be more proud” of the offensive line's play and improvement through the season, calling Maka “the most important person on the field.”

“He gets the ball every time as a lineman, and it starts with him and his snaps, so he plays a very vital role for us,” Harris said. “He's very smart, and he helps those guys out. He's been composed. He makes sure I'm OK, and he's just a great leader and a great guy. We're just blessed to have him.”

Maka said he's been impressed by the group's physicality, pointing to run blocking as the way the linemen “really feel like we can put ourselves on the map.”

Through six games, UTSA running back Sincere McCormick leads the nation with 702 yards on the ground, ranking ninth in the NCAA with 117 yards per game.

McCormick said the blocking was “excellent” during his 133yard performance Saturday, and Traylor said McCormick's output has become a point of pride for the team. Without any individual stats of their own, the offensive line's play is judged by McCormick's production, Maka said.

“That's how I feel like the O-line gets their credit — how their running back is doing,” Maka said. “It really helps out the O-line. And he makes us look good, too. So that's always a plus.”

Still, Traylor said the lack of offensive line continuity has created challenges, and he wants a more consistent group to emerge as the season goes on.

Right guard Kevin Davis, in his third year starting for the Roadrunners, missed the first two games of the season due to injury. Davis started at center as a redshirt freshman in 2018, and Maka said his return provided the group with another vocal leader.

Right tackle Makai Hart, a JUCO transfer from Trinity Valley, was penciled in as a day-one starter this year before missing time due to injury and making his debut in UTSA's fifth game.

Burford started the season's first five games — two at right tackle followed by three at left tackle — before sitting last week due to an undisclosed injury. And Dominic Pastucci started the Roadrunners' first four games at left guard before being relegated to a less taxing role on special teams as he works through an injury.

Maka said settling into a consistent starting unit would provide a boost.

“Just the footwork, and being able to communicate all on the same page,” Maka said. “Sometimes even to a point where we don't need to communicate, because we already know. When that gets to a point where we're all the same five, I feel like the sky is the limit from there.”