One of football’s oldest laws still holds true: If you can’t block, then you can’t run.

NIU has the 11th best rushing offense in the nation. It’s safe to say the offensive line is doing its job blocking.

“We’re like a little family,” said senior center Eddie Adamski.

Little? Hardly: The starting five offensive lineman weigh a combined 1,471 pounds.

“But we don’t want big, fat sloppy guys,” said offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover. “We want them lean.”

That’s where strength and conditioning coach Eric Klein comes into play. Sophomore tackle/guard Panan Tense, standing at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, speaks on behalf of the offensive line when describing Klein.

“He’s hard core. He’s knows his [expletive], man,” Tense said. “He’s like a weight room genius.”

Klein organizes nutrition education for the entire football team, along with creating weight training programs. When hearing Klein talk about the nutrition of the offensive line, one thing is clear: These boys can eat.

“The average diet that the rest of us eat is about 2,000 calories,” Klein said. “That isn’t nearly enough for these guys to provide them with enough energy to do what they do. They should be in the 5,000 to 6,000 range.”

But that enormous expectation of calories isn’t meant to be filled by just any food: “No McDonalds,” said left tackle Trevor Olson.

The football program does its best at regulating what the O-line eats, having team breakfast Monday through Thursday in the Yordon Center. The catered breakfast offers a variety of eggs, cereal, bagels, fruit, milk and juices, among other healthy options.

“Some players can eat a bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit,” Klein said. “These guys need a few bowls of cereal and a few pieces of fruit.”

But who takes the most pride in their ability to head back to the food trays for seconds, thirds and fourths?

Ask Klein, Tense or Olson and it’s not even close: Adamski takes the cake. Literally.

“I think, pound for pound, Olson eats the most,” Adamski said with a laugh. “But if it came down to an eating contest, I’d out-eat him for sure.”

Limegrover, who is also the offensive line coach, has taken pride in his unit and its ability to fit in with the offense’s philosophy.

“We’re a running team,” he said. “You’re going to have to bring your hard hat and your lunch pail to stop us from running.”

And hope the offensive line doesn’t steal your lunch.

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