After earning the top PFF mark in 2025, what will Saluki O-line do for an encore?
- Tom Weber
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
CARBONDALE, Ill. — When the offensive line grades were turned in for the 2025 season, the final report card showed one unit at the top of the Pro Football Focus national FCS rankings — Southern Illinois.
So what do you do for an encore? That’s the big question on O-line coach Dan Clark’s mind as the team wrapped up its second week of training camp. Two, key starters — center Noah Fenske and right tackle Cameron Dye — have graduated, but the core of the offensive line returns.
“It’s all about staying committed to the process,” said Clark, shortly after the team finished its 12th practice. “I’m really happy with the room and the leadership, and the approach to how they handle every day.”
Anchoring the offensive line is the inspirational leader, preseason All-American guard Derek Harden Jr. (6-3, 330, 5th), who enters his final year in the program.
“I can't say enough about him,” Clark offered. “He’s one of the best guards to ever play here. He came back for another year because he loves SIU. His leadership on our team, it’s great for the young guys to see how it's supposed to be done.”
Harden Jr. returned from injury last season to start 11 games and has 30-career starts to his credit.
“Last year, we set the standard, and this new group needs to pick up where we left off,” Harden Jr. said. “We have things that we need to work on, but we're building a great chemistry together, and I got to be there to help lead these guys.”
The next-most experienced player is fifth-year right tackle Coleon Smith (6-6, 300, 5th), who has 20 games played under his belt. He started the first four games in 2025 before a season-ending injury.
“He’s so committed to this team and this room and is really locked in,” Clark said. “I’m excited about how his summer went. Coming off an injury, he’s biting at the bit for a big year.”
The Salukis have a rising star in left tackle Blaine Halley (6-7, 302, Sr.), who took over the position in Week 5 last year and started the last eight games of the season.
“Expectations are high for him,” Clark said. “He has really committed himself to the mental part of the game. He's very consistent. You know what you're getting with Blaine every day and love what he's doing right now.”
Two newcomers to the starting lineup are Illinois transfer Kellen Francis (6-5, 315, Sr.) at left guard and 2025 Austin Peay transfer Ethan Goodin (6-5, 305, Jr.) at center.
“Kellen’s really been a bright spot for the room,” Clark said. “He's got great leadership qualities and energy about himself, and he's infectious with his personality, his intensity.”
“Ethan’s got big shoes to fill, but he’s really smart and wants to get better every day,” Clark noted. “I’m pretty hard on centers because they got to be the quarterback of the room and they got to know what everybody's doing.”
Waiting in the wings, should a starter stumble, is swingman Jacob Katauskas (6-4, 312, Jr.), who played in nine games with one start as a redshirt freshman last season.
“He has the athleticism to be a swing guy and play in different spots,” Clark said. “If one of those guys from the first group has a bad day, he could go take a job.”
Guard Aidan Duerig (6-6, 325, Sr.) has been a key presence on special teams the last two seasons with 18 games played.
“He’s having the best camp he’s ever had,” Clark said. “He’s gaining confidence and just believing in himself, in his game, to let it go.”
Backing up the center position is Ostyn Friday (6-2, 285, Sr.), who appeared in four games last year.
“He’s Mr. Consistency,” Clark said. “He’s committed to the program and has done everything I've asked. I love his work ethic and football IQ.”
The backup tackles are Quentin Boeke (6-6, 295, So.) and converted defensive tackle Tyrese Reid (6-7, 295, Jr.).
“Quentin’s coming off an ACL and I’m looking forward to what his future's gonna bring,” Clark said. “I really love Tyrese’s upside. When he figures it all out and the stars align, it’s going to be pretty exciting to see what he does.”
The Salukis have more depth with Albany transfer Luis Gastelum (6-3, 275, Jr.), plus a youthful core that includes Dante Green (6-4, 310, So.), Tristan Cook-Dennis (6-6, 325, So.) and Owen Lee (6-4, 305, So.).
“You’ve got those young bucks in there competing, battling and learning the consistency it takes, the standards that are set in the room,” Clark said.
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Practice 12 Notebook
The last player off the field today, about 20 minutes after practice had ended, was QB DJ Williams. He had gotten in some extra work throwing to WR Aiden Showers. Williams was carrying the ball bag over his shoulder. That’s how a leader acts when no one’s watching. Not only was your best player working overtime, but he’s not leaving the ball bag there for the managers to take care of. As has been said before many times, DJ just gets it.
