Veteran offensive line knows success starts up front; scrimmage notebook
- Tom Weber
- Aug 17
- 6 min read
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois will roll out five seniors on its starting offensive line in 2025, a veteran group that aims to bring out the best in each other.
Anchoring the line will be three veterans with 38 games of starting experience for the Salukis —center Noah Fenske, right guard Derek Harden Jr. and right tackle Cameron Dye.
“They put a bar up there and then they try to raise it every day,” said offensive line coach Dan Clark. “It's exciting to see where the room can go, how high they can raise that bar this year.”
The Salukis believe they have a high-powered offensive attack with a bevy of talented skill players, but success must start up front.
“We make it go,” Clark acknowledged. “It's five guys that have to be on the same page. We have to protect a quarterback, crease holes for a running back, and our jobs are pretty detailed.”
Offensive Lineman profiles, with comments from Coach Clark
#68 Derek Harden Jr., 6-3, 330, Sr.
A proven veteran with 19 career starts, he missed most of last season with a knee injury. The knee is in good shape and Harden Jr. should anchor the right side of the O-line.
“Derek has overcome a couple knee surgeries, and so, his resilience, his toughness, his passion, to get back and get healthy. He feels good with where his body is. He's strong, he's tough, he's finishing right now. He’s an experienced guy and I’m so excited for him.”
#53 Noah Fenske, 6-6, 310, Senior
The Colorado transfer anchored the left tackle spot for the Salukis in 2024, starting 11 games. He moves inside to center this season, where he’ll be responsible for all of the line calls.
“Noah making the shift from tackle to center becomes the quarterback in the room. He’s a guy with a high football IQ, toughness, athleticism, the guy that is a leader, that isn't afraid to get all over the guys. He sets the standard every day, shows up to work. He’s going to have a big year.”
#60 Cameron Dye, 6-4, 310, Senior
Comes from a pedigree that includes father Ernest (five NFL seasons) and Ernest Jr. (SIU, 2016-19). After transferring from Georgia State, he started the final eight games in 2024 and will be Southern’s Day 1 right tackle in 2025.
“Mr. Consistency. He’s really athletic, has been able to maintain his weight this year, which was tough for him last year. He won the starting job midway through the season last year, and the arrow's been up on Cam ever since. He's done a great job of pouring into detail every day.”
#61 Aiden Logan, 6-6, 320, Senior
Has mainly played special teams for the Salukis the last two years, but he’ll step into the starting left guard slot in 2025.
“He’s biting at the bit to have a big year after battling through an injury. This spring, he made a commitment to his body, and how it changed in just a year, I really can't say enough about him.”
#73 Coleon Smith, 6-6, 310, Senior
Like Logan, Smith has extensive special teams experience with 17 games to his credit at SIU. This year, he’ll take over the starting left tackle position.
“Coming off knee surgery, he worked his tail off. There isn't a guy in the room that's put in more work behind the scenes, weight room, trainers, getting ready for this moment. He's really dialed in right now, and I’m very excited to see that.”
#67 Blaine Halley, 6-7, 300, Sophomore
Also known as Sasquatch, the bearded Halley played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2024 and will push the starters.
“He played a lot in the spring at left tackle, but he’s a swing guy and is pushing everybody in the room. He's looking for a Tom Brady-story, you know, somebody has a bad day, somebody gets sick, twists an ankle and Blaine's going to have their job.”
#77 Tyrese Reid, 6-7, 260, Redshirt Freshman
Made the switch from defensive line to offensive line in Practice #13 in the spring.
“Tyrese has unlimited potential right now. We had a couple practices with Tyrese in the spring and he knew after those couple practices, he ain't leaving. He's got to gain 12-15 pounds, but he dives into the playbook, has learned the calls, and when he messes something up, he doesn’t mess it up the next day.”
#76 Jimmy Lansing, 6-7, 320, Senior
Has played in three games the last two seasons.
“‘I’m proud of where Jimmy’s come from and he’s getting traction as an offensive lineman. You gain confidence, you gain strength and knowledge and through your experiences. Jimmy's making the best of his senior year and has really come in and battled.”
#74 Jacob Katauskas, 6-4, 310, Redshirt Freshman
A three-star prospect out of Lemont High School who redshirted at FBS Coastal Carolina in 2024 and transferred to SIU.
“Tons of potential, tough and loves being in the room. He’s going to be playing a lot of ball around here. He just works his tail off.
Doesn't say much, but the kid is going to be a very important piece for us.”
#69 Aidan Duerig, 6-6, 305, Sophomore
Played in six games in 2024, mainly on special teams.
“Aidan has had his best spring, his best summer. He got a chance to start, practice eight, and did a great job. He's come a long way. He knows the system and is starting to get some traction and confidence. He was one of the hardest workers we had this summer and it was noticeable.”
#52 Ethan Goodin, 6-5, 300, Redshirt Freshman
Evansville native who played in one game for Austin Peay in 2024.
“When we were talking to him out of high school, he was an undersized offensive lineman but gained a lot of weight in that first year of college, and we talked to him about being our backup center. It's a big responsibility, and he's embraced it and I’m excited about him because he’s another redshirt freshman that's got a bright future.”
#71 Ostyn Friday, 6-2, 285, Sophomore
A center who played in two games in 2024.
“I’d be remiss if I didn't say Ostyn Friday has just done an unbelievable job for us every day he's been here, fundamentally, athletically. He just works his butt off, a kid that loves football, loves being a part of a room that has got big plans.”
Saturday Night Scrimmage Insiders Notebook
